Deepen your understanding of matter's particle nature, and discover atoms and molecules as the building blocks of matter.
An atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains its properties. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond together.
What is an atom?
The smallest particle of an element that retains its chemical properties
How many atoms are in a molecule of water (H₂O)?
3 atoms — 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen
Particles in solids vibrate in fixed positions; in liquids they move and slide past each other; in gases they move freely and rapidly with large gaps between them.
Why can gases be easily compressed but liquids cannot?
Gas particles have large spaces between them that can be pushed closer, while liquid particles are already close together
Why do solids have a fixed shape but liquids don't?
Solid particles are locked in fixed positions, while liquid particles can move and flow, taking the shape of their container
1. What is a molecule?
2. How many atoms are in a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO₂)?
3. Describe the arrangement of particles in a solid.
4. Describe the arrangement of particles in a gas.
5. Is an atom or a molecule generally smaller?