Molecule
'mɒlɪkjuːl
Definitions
A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.
'mɒlɪkjuːl
The smallest particle of a substance that has the chemical properties of that substance.
The chemical reaction involved the rearrangement of molecules.
💡 Simply: Imagine LEGOs. A molecule is like a tiny, tiny building made of even tinier blocks (atoms)! You can't break it down and still have the same substance. For example, a sugar molecule has sugar properties like sweetness.
👶 For kids: A molecule is a tiny, tiny piece of stuff that can't be broken down anymore without changing what it is. Like, a water molecule is water.
More Examples
Scientists are studying the structure of protein molecules.
The fragrance of a flower comes from specific molecules in its petals.
How It's Used
"Water is composed of molecules, each containing two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom."
"DNA molecules carry genetic information."
From French molécule, diminutive of Latin moles ("mass, barrier"). Coined by Amedeo Avogadro and John Dalton during the development of chemical theory in the early 19th century.
The term 'molecule' gained prominence with the development of the atomic theory and the understanding of chemical bonding in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of a tiny lego structure: a molecule is made up of several atoms all stuck together.
Word Origin
"Diminutive of 'moles' meaning 'mass' or 'small mass'"