What are atoms and molecules?

Every day we use what some objects: we take them in hand, to perform any manipulation on them - we turn, we consider, in the end break.Have you ever thought about what it consists of these items?"What is really there to think about? Because metal / wood / plastic / fabric!"- Answer puzzled many of us.In part, this is the right answer.And from what these materials - metal, wood, plastic, fabric, and many other substances?Today, we will discuss this issue.

molecules and atoms: the definition

have a knowledgeable person the answer is simple and banal: of atoms and molecules.But some people are puzzled and start rattling off questions: "What is an atom and a molecule? How do they look?"etc.The answers to these questions are in order.Well, firstly, that such atoms and molecules?I'll tell you right away that these definitions - not the same thing.And even more - it's completely different terms.So, an atom - is the smallest part of a chemical element, which is the carrier of its properties, the particle matter miniscule weight and size.A molecule - it is electrically neutral particles that form several connected by covalent bonds of the atoms.

What is the atom: structure

atom consists of an electron shell and the atomic nucleus (photo).In turn, the core consists of protons and neutrons, and a shell - of electrons.In the atom positively charged protons, electrons - negatively, and neutrons are generally not charged.If the number of protons corresponding to the number of electrons, the atom is electrically neutral, ie,If we touch the substance formed from molecules such atoms do not feel the slightest electrical pulse.Even heavy-duty computers it did not catch on because of the absence of the latter.But it is that more protons than electrons, and vice versa.Then those atoms called ions would be correct.If it has more protons, it is electrically positive, if the predominate electron - electrically negative.Each atom has a certain number of strict protons, neutrons and electrons.And it can be calculated.The template for the solution of problems in finding a number of these particles is as follows:

Chem.item - R (insert name of member)
protons (p) -?
electrons (e) -?
neutrons (n) -?
Solution:
p = serial number of chemical.element R in the periodic system DI themMendeleev
e = p
n = Ar (R) - № R

What molecule: structure

Molecule - the smallest particle of a chemical, meaning it has just included in its composition.Molecule particular substance consists of several identical or different atoms.Features of the structure of the molecules depend on the physical properties of the substance in which they are present.Molecules are made up of electrons and atoms.Location latter can be found with the help of structural formula.The structure of the molecule to determine the chemical reaction.Usually they are neutral (no electrical charge), and they do not have unpaired electrons (all valences are saturated).However, they may be charged, then their correct name - ions.Also, molecules can be unpaired electrons and unsatisfied valences - in this case they are called radicals.

Conclusion Now that you know what an atom is and what the molecule.Without exception, the substance composed of molecules, and the latter, in turn, are built from atoms.The physical properties of the substance and determine the location of connection of atoms and molecules in it.