Elemental Molecules: Definition and Examples

KOMPAS.com – Atoms are the building blocks of all kinds of matter on earth. Combinations of atoms of the same type are called elemental molecules. What is an elemental molecule? Here is the meaning of dan examples of elemental molecules!

Reported from Chemistry LibreTextsa molecule is a combination of two or more atoms that are connected together so strongly, that they behave as a single particle.

Then what is meant by elemental molecule? Reported from Exploring Our Fluid Eartha molecule of an element is made up of two or more atoms of the same element.

Simply put, an elemental molecule is a molecule formed from a collection of similar atoms.

Also read: Molecular Formation Principle

Reported from Khan Academyin the molecule of the elements the atoms are covalently bonded with bond stability that comes from the electrostatic attraction between the atomic nuclei.

Covalent bonds make the two or more atoms in an element’s molecule bond very strongly.

Elemental molecules can be said to be the smallest part of a substance that has chemical properties as well as physical properties. Usually, elemental molecules have no charge or are neutral.

Molecular types of elements

Broadly speaking, elemental molecules are divided into molecules of diatomic elements and molecules of polyatomic elements.

Also read: Difference between Elements and Compounds

Molecules of diatomic elements are formed from two atoms of the same type bonded together. Meanwhile, polyatomic element molecules are formed from three or more atoms of the same type bonded together.

The best known example of an elemental molecule is oxygen with the molecular formula O2. That is, oxygen consists of two oxygen atoms.

Oxygen is an elemental molecule because it consists of two atoms of the same type (oxygen atoms and oxygen atoms) without the presence of other types of atoms.

Meanwhile, carbon dioxide (CO2) is not an elemental molecule. This is because carbon dioxide is formed from two elements or two different types of atoms, namely carbon atoms (C) and oxygen atoms (O).

Also read: Examples of Compound Single Substances

In addition to oxygen (O2), here are examples of elemental molecules:

• Hydrogen (H2)
• Nitrogen (N2)
• Fluorine (F2)
• Klorin (Cl2)
• Bromin (Br2)
• Iodine (I2)
• Ozone (O3)
• Fosfor (P4)
• Octasulfur (S8)

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