Easy definition of atoms and molecules
Atoms Atoms are the basic building blocks from which everything around us is built. This includes the computer before you, the floor beneath you, the air you breathe, and the stars you see at night. All of them are made up of atoms. But what exactly are atoms?
Atoms are made up of three types of tiny particles. Protons (or positively charged particles) and neutrons (or particles that contain no charge) are found in the nucleus of an atom. Electrons (or negatively charged particles) are found outside the nucleus. There are 118 elements, or substances composed of a single type of atom, on the periodic table, including hydrogen, carbon, lead, gold, lithium, oxygen, and more.
What makes each element different is the number of positively charged protons in the nucleus of the atom. Typically, these elements have the same number of negatively charged electrons orbiting around the outside of the nucleus. Ions are atoms that have lost or gained electrons. The number of neutrons varies and is necessary for keeping an atom stable.
Molecules, Compounds, & Mixtures Atoms can bond together into groups and form a molecule. If the molecule contains atoms of different types bonded together, we call it a compound
Atoms are the basic building blocks from which everything around us is built. This includes the computer before you, the floor beneath you, the air you breathe, and the stars you see at night. All of them are made up of atoms. But what exactly are atoms?
Atoms are made up of three types of tiny particles. Protons (or positively charged particles) and neutrons (or particles that contain no charge) are found in the nucleus of an atom. Electrons (or negatively charged particles) are found outside the nucleus. There are 118 elements, or substances composed of a single type of atom, on the periodic table, including hydrogen, carbon, lead, gold, lithium, oxygen, and more.
What makes each element different is the number of positively charged protons in the nucleus of the atom. Typically, these elements have the same number of negatively charged electrons orbiting around the outside of the nucleus. Ions are atoms that have lost or gained electrons. The number of neutrons varies and is necessary for keeping an atom stable.
Molecules, Compounds, & MixturesAtoms can bond together into groups and form a molecule. If the molecule contains atoms of different types bonded together, we call it a compound
