- #1
chemister
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What would be an example of an element that is also a molecule?
Would hydrogen be an example of this?
Would hydrogen be an example of this?
In summary, an element that is also a molecule is a substance made up of only one type of atom, which can also exist as a single unit bonded to itself. These elements include hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon, among others. They are the building blocks of all matter and are essential for the formation of all living and non-living things. Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together through chemical reactions, creating new substances with unique properties. Some examples of common molecules composed of elements include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen gas (O2). Understanding the relationship between elements and molecules is crucial in the study of chemistry and the natural world.
- #2
MusicMonkey
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Very few elements actually exist as single atoms. A molecule is the smallest part of an element, or compound, that can exist independently e.g. hydrogen exists on its own as H2, oxygen as O2.
- #3
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I would say very many elements exista as monoatomic molecules.All the metals,for example.Don't get confused by the fact that if metals have a crystaline structure,then the molecules would be composed by more than one atoms...
Daniel.
Daniel.
- #4
oxygen
- 3
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An Element Is A Single Atom. While A Molecule Is A Group Of Atoms That Are Bond Together To Form Another Compounds... Some Elements Exist As A Diatomic Atom. Example Of These Are Hydrogen And The Halogens Family( Chlorine. Fluorine Etc.) In Case Of Hydrogen. Hydrogen Is A Diatomic Atom. If The Hydrogen Bonded To Other Elements This Is An Example Of Molecule...
In Short Element Is A Single Atom While Molecule Composed Of 2 Or More Atoms That Are Bonded Together.
In Short Element Is A Single Atom While Molecule Composed Of 2 Or More Atoms That Are Bonded Together.
- #5
Gokul43201
Staff Emeritus
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Just so this does not cause any confusion, I'm going to make corrections to oxygen's post.
You can not compare an element and a molecule. You can compare an element and a compound. An element is made of only a single kind of atom - whether as a crystal (Fe), or isolated atoms (He) or as molecules (H2), does not matter. A compound is made up of molecules (or crystals) with more than one kind of atom (NH3, H2O, NaCl)
No, an element is any material that is composed of only a single kind of atom (ie: all its atoms are identical)oxygen said:
A molecule is a group of atoms that are bonded together, but they do not form a compound. A compound is is something whose molecules contain more than one kind of atom.
Some elements are a collection of diatomic molecules. You can not have a diatomic atom - that's self-contradictory.
Hydrogen is made up of diatomic molecules. If hydrogen bonds with atoms of another element you get a compound.
You can not compare an element and a molecule. You can compare an element and a compound. An element is made of only a single kind of atom - whether as a crystal (Fe), or isolated atoms (He) or as molecules (H2), does not matter. A compound is made up of molecules (or crystals) with more than one kind of atom (NH3, H2O, NaCl)
- #6
Gokul43201
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To answer the original question :
It would make more sense to ask, "for an example of an element that exists as molecules" or "that is composed of molecules".
Yes, hydrogen, is such an element. Nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine are the only others at STP.
It would make more sense to ask, "for an example of an element that exists as molecules" or "that is composed of molecules".
Yes, hydrogen, is such an element. Nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine are the only others at STP.
- #7
ShawnD
Science Advisor
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If I'm not mistaken, only noble gases can be 1-atom molecules.chemister said:
- #8
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What happened to the metals/semimetals??Got banned from existence in the periodic table?? 
Daniel.
Daniel.
- #9
ShawnD
Science Advisor
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Metals are hundreds/thousands of atoms bound together in a lattice.
- #10
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ShawnD said:
And that's just because chemists wrongy assume interactions between metals in a crystaline structure as chemical bonds,right??I bet they have no idea about solid state PHYSICS...
Daniel.
- #11
ShawnD
Science Advisor
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Compare non-metal crystals with metal crystals. Here is what http://www.avogadro.co.uk/structure/chemstruc/molecular/i2.gif looks like as a crystal. The iodine hangs out in packs of 2 wheras each sodium binds to 8 of its closest neighbors. The only reason you can't call it Na9 is because you can't distinguish the atoms as groups of 9. Every atom is bound to 8 other atoms.dextercioby said:
If 10 people are holding hands in a cirle, I can't say that each person is not holding hands. Even though each person is holding the hand of 2 others, I can't say the people are in groups of 3 either.
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1. What is an element that is also a molecule?
An element that is also a molecule is a substance that is made up of only one type of atom and exists as a discrete unit. This means that the atoms are bonded together in a specific arrangement and cannot be further broken down into simpler substances.
2. Can you give an example of an element that is also a molecule?
One example of an element that is also a molecule is oxygen (O2). It is composed of two oxygen atoms bonded together, making it a molecule of the element oxygen. Other examples include hydrogen (H2), nitrogen (N2), and chlorine (Cl2).
3. How are elements that are also molecules different from compounds?
Elements that are also molecules are different from compounds in that compounds are composed of two or more different types of atoms bonded together, while elements that are also molecules are made up of only one type of atom.
4. Are all elements also molecules?
No, not all elements are also molecules. Some elements, like noble gases, exist as individual atoms and do not typically form molecules. However, many elements, particularly those in the nonmetal and diatomic elements, can form molecules.
5. How are molecules of elements different from molecules of compounds?
Molecules of elements differ from molecules of compounds in their composition. Molecules of elements contain only one type of atom, while molecules of compounds contain two or more different types of atoms bonded together. Additionally, molecules of compounds can have a variety of structures and properties, while molecules of elements typically have similar properties due to their identical composition.
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