What Is Molecular Science?
The Big Idea
Molecular Science in One Sentence
Molecular science studies how atoms combine to form molecules and how those molecules determine the properties and behavior of matter.
Why It Matters
Everything you touch, taste, breathe, or use is made of atoms and molecules, so molecular science helps explain everyday life at a very small scale.
From Matter to Molecules
Building Blocks
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. At the smallest useful level for chemistry, matter is made of atoms, and atoms can join together to make molecules.
Core Terms
Which statement best describes a molecule?
A molecule is formed when atoms bond together.
Correct answer: A group of atoms bonded together
What is the smallest unit of an element that still keeps that element's chemical identity?
An atom is the smallest unit of an element that still behaves chemically like that element.
Correct answer: atom
How Molecular Science Thinks
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1
Observe a material's properties, such as color or smell.
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2
Ask what particles make it up.
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3
Study how those particles are arranged and bonded.
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4
Connect the structure to the material's behavior.
Which of the following is matter?
Air has mass and takes up space, so it is matter.
Correct answer: Air