What do molecules do

These seven elements are so reactive that they can be found very often bonded with another atom of the same type. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms of an element chemically join together. If the types of atoms are different from each other, a compound is formed. Not all molecules are compounds, since some molecules, such as oxygen gas above image of molecule of-O 2 or ozone O 3 , consist only of one element or type of atom. Water is also a molecule because it is made from atoms that have been chemically combined.

But water is also a compound since the atoms that make water are not all the same. Water H 2 O is made from one oxygen atom shown in red below and two hydrogen atoms shown in white below.

Water is a simple molecule made of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms covalently bound. Water is also considerd a compound. While the forces that hold the hydrogen and oxyen together are strong forces, water molecules are bound by hydrogen bonds which are bonds between a hydrogen in one polar water molecule and the negatviely charged end of another water molecule. The forces in liquid water are temporary as shown below in the Molecular Dynamics Simulation of water molecules at room temperature.

The green dashed lines show the hydrogen bonds which are constantly being broken and reformed over time. Note: the simulation is on the order of nanoseconds. For more information about the water molecule see: The water molecule page. Don't know what to do with RSS feeds? Remember, you can also make your own, personal feed by combining tags from around OpenLearn. For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

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