Which statement best describes a molecule?

Which statement best describes a molecule?

• A. A particle made of two or more atoms bonded together
• B. A single atom
• C. A mixture of elements
• D. A type of energy

Answer: (A)

A molecule is a group of atoms that are held together by chemical bonds, forming a single unit with its own properties. When atoms join and bond, they create a stable piece of matter, like water (two hydrogens and one oxygen) or oxygen gas (two oxygens bonded together). The statement describes a particle made of two or more atoms bonded together, which captures that idea exactly. A single atom isn’t a molecule because it isn’t bonded to another atom. A mixture of elements isn’t one unit bonded together, just a collection of separate particles. And energy isn’t matter, so it isn’t a molecule.

A molecule is a group of atoms that are held together by chemical bonds, forming a single unit with its own properties. When atoms join and bond, they create a stable piece of matter, like water (two hydrogens and one oxygen) or oxygen gas (two oxygens bonded together). The statement describes a particle made of two or more atoms bonded together, which captures that idea exactly. A single atom isn’t a molecule because it isn’t bonded to another atom. A mixture of elements isn’t one unit bonded together, just a collection of separate particles. And energy isn’t matter, so it isn’t a molecule.