Wikijunior:The Elements/What's a molecule?
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[edit] What is a molecule?
A molecule is made up of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonding. These atoms can be the same kind, or different kinds.
[edit] Where do we find molecules?
Almost everything is made up of molecules, including the air you breathe, the food you eat, and even the water you drink! In the air, oxygen atoms usually travel with a partner (2 x O = O2), as does Hydrogen (2 x H = H2) and Nitrogen (N2). Water (H2O) is made of two Hydrogen atoms (H2) and one Oxygen atom (O). Even regular table salt that you eat is a combination of molecules! Would it surprise you to know that the molecules in table salt are made up of dangerous atoms? You may eat salt every day, but it is made up of an explosive atom (sodium) and a toxic one (chlorine)!
[edit] How do the atoms join together?
Atoms come together to form molecules because of their electrons. Electrons can join (or bond) atoms together in two main ways. When two atoms share electrons between them, they are locked together (bonded) by that sharing. These are called covalent bonds. Bonds like this are in oxygen gas, nitrogen gas, and hydrogen gas. But when on atom gives one of it's electrons to another atom, they are held together by magnetic forces, like the ones you see in a compass. These sorts of bonds are called ionic, because once an atom loses an electron, it becomes something called an ion. These sorts of bonds are in acids, like vinegar, and bases, like ammonia. Salt is also made of an ionic bond. The sodium, usually explosive, loses and electron to the chlorine, which is also dangerous in its natural state, but when this reaction happens, both become harmless and even tasty!
