Molecules may be concisely described as combinations of atoms joined to one another via their electrons. However, this is a generalization. There are a few exceptions.
To begin to understand what a molecule is, you first need to know what types of molecules are there. There are three types.
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- Monatomic molecules.
- Diatomic molecules.
- Polyatomic molecules.
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I shall begin with diatomic molecules. The word “diatomic” comes from the ancient Greek language. The prefix “di” meaning “two”; and “atomic” pertaining to atoms. So as the translation implies, a diatomic molecule is a molecule that is comprised of two atoms joined to one another. They may or may not be of the same element. Examples of some common diatomic molecules are O2 (Dioxygen/Oxygen), H2 (Dihydrogen/hydrogen), HCl (Hydrogen chloride) and NaCl (Sodium chloride; table salt).
Next comes polyatomic molecules. The word “polyatomic” also comes from the ancient Greek language. The prefix “poly” means “many”; and like in diatomic, the word “atomic” is defined as pertaining to atoms. So, a polyatomic molecule is a molecule made up of three or more atoms; which, as in diatomic molecules, may or may not be the same element. Examples of a few polyatomic molecules are P4 (White phosphorus), H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid), SiO2 (Silicon dioxide; sand), H2O (Water) and C12H22O11 (Sucrose; table sugar).
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Both diatomic and polyatomic are more commonly known as “compounds”.
And finally, monatomic molecules. The word “monatomic”, as in the two prior molecule types is of ancient Greek origin. The prefix “mon” comes from the Greek word “mono”, meaning “one”; and once again, “atomic” is pertaining to atoms. Therefore, as the name implies, monatomic molecules are only comprised of a single atom, with no bonds to other atoms. Monatomic atoms are most prevalent in nature in the form of the noble gasses. Those being, in alphabetical order: argon, helium, krypton, neon, radon, ununoctium and xenon. Though most noble gasses don’t naturally form compounds, a number have been synthesized. The noble metals (Such as gold and Mercury) may also exist in a monatomic form, but they’re more commonly found in compounds.
How and why atoms form bonds to become molecules is a far vaster subject. I’ve placed some URL’s in the related links section below that should aid in explaining the process.
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