"A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by attractive forces known as chemical bonds."
A group of atoms bonded together, forming a stable particle.
Atomic structure: The basic building blocks of matter, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Molecular structure: The arrangement of atoms within a molecule.
Chemical bonding: The forces that hold atoms together in a molecule, including covalent, ionic, and metallic bonds.
Intermolecular forces: The forces between molecules, including van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding.
States of matter: The four states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma) and their properties.
Phase changes: The processes by which matter transitions between different states, including melting, boiling, and condensation.
Thermochemistry: The study of the transfer of energy in chemical reactions.
Properties of gases: Including the ideal gas law, partial pressures, and the kinetic theory of gases.
Equilibrium: The balance between forward and reverse reactions in a chemical system.
Acids and bases: The properties of acidic and basic solutions, including pH and pOH.
Redox reactions: Reactions that involve the transfer of electrons from one substance to another.
Organic chemistry: The study of molecules containing carbon, including their properties and reactions.
Organic molecules: These are molecules that contain carbon atoms as their backbone. They form the basis of all living things and include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Inorganic molecules: These are molecules that don't contain carbon atoms, and they can be either simple or complex. Examples include water, salts, acids, and bases.
Hydrocarbons: These are organic molecules that contain hydrogen and carbon atoms only. They come in different shapes and sizes and are used as fuels and solvents.
Isomers: These are molecules that have the same chemical formula but a different arrangement of atoms. They can have different properties and be used in various ways. Some examples include structural isomers and stereoisomers.
Polymers: These are large molecules made up of small repeating units called monomers. Examples include proteins, DNA, and cellulose.
Macromolecules: These are very large molecules, often made up of thousands of atoms. They include proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids.
Amino acids: These are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different types of amino acids, each with its unique chemical properties.
Sugars: These are simple carbohydrates that are often used as a source of energy. They come in different forms, such as glucose, fructose, and lactose.
Lipids: These are a diverse group of molecules that include fats, oils, and waxes. They serve as building blocks for cell membranes and energy storage.
Nucleotides: These are the building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). They consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
"Depending on context, the term may or may not include ions which satisfy this criterion."
"In quantum physics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, the distinction from ions is dropped and molecule is often used when referring to polyatomic ions."
"A molecule may be homonuclear, that is, it consists of atoms of one chemical element."
"e.g. two atoms in the oxygen molecule (O2)"
"It may be heteronuclear, a chemical compound composed of more than one element."
"e.g. water (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom; H2O)."
"This relaxes the requirement that a molecule contains two or more atoms, since the noble gases are individual atoms."
"Atoms and complexes connected by non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds or ionic bonds, are typically not considered single molecules."
"The study of molecules is today known as molecular physics or molecular chemistry."
"Modern investigation into the nature of molecules and their bonds began in the 17th century."
"Refined over time by scientists such as Robert Boyle, Amedeo Avogadro, Jean Perrin, and Linus Pauling."
"...held together by attractive forces known as chemical bonds."
"...quantum physics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry..."
"Atoms and complexes connected by non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds or ionic bonds, are typically not considered single molecules."
"...water (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom; H2O)."
"...atoms of one chemical element."
"Modern investigation into the nature of molecules and their bonds began in the 17th century."
"The study of molecules is today known as molecular physics or molecular chemistry."
"Scientists such as Robert Boyle, Amedeo Avogadro, Jean Perrin, and Linus Pauling."