Molecule
What is Molecule?
A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains the compound's chemical properties, consisting of two or more atoms bonded together by covalent bonds. Molecules can be homonuclear (same element, e.g. O₂, N₂) or heteronuclear (different elements, e.g. H₂O, CO₂). The concept applies to covalent compounds; ionic compounds form extended lattices rather than discrete molecules.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains the compound's chemical properties, consisting of two or more atoms bonded together by covalent bonds. Molecules can be homonuclear (same element, e.g. O₂, N₂) or heteronuclear (different elements, e.g. H₂O, CO₂). The concept applies to covalent compounds; ionic compounds form extended lattices rather than discrete molecules.