Molecules & Compounds

This flashcard set covers the fundamental definitions and examples of molecules, compounds, chemical bonds, and molecular weight calculations as presented in the lecture notes.

Molecule

A general term used to describe two or more atoms joined together chemically by chemical bonds.

Diatomic molecules

Molecules made from two atoms of the same element, such as molecular hydrogen ($H_2$), oxygen ($O_2$), and nitrogen ($N_2$), where atoms share electrons to complete their valence shells.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms join and share their electrons.

Compound

A molecule that contains at least two different elements; while all compounds are molecules, not all molecules are compounds.

Ionic bond

A bond formed when cations and anions attract each other because of their opposite electric charges.

Vitamin C ($C_6H_8O_6$)

A molecule made up of $20$ atoms, consisting of $6$ carbons, $8$ hydrogens, and $6$ oxygens.

Molecular Weight of $H_2O$

The total mass of one molecule of water, calculated as $18 \text{ amu}$ ($g/mol$) by totaling $2$ atoms of Hydrogen ($2 \times 1$) and $1$ atom of Oxygen ($16$).

Iron Oxide

A molecule with the chemical formula $Fe_2O_3$, containing $2$ atoms of $Fe$ and $3$ atoms of $O$.

Iron Sulfate

A molecule with the chemical formula $Fe_2(SO_4)_3$.

Magnesium Phosphate

A molecule with the chemical formula $Mg_3(PO_4)_2$.

Calcium hydrogen carbonate

A molecule with the chemical formula $Ca(HCO_3)_2$.

Hydrogen Atom Bond Count

The typical number of bonds formed by a hydrogen atom is $1$.

Oxygen Atom Bond Count

The typical number of bonds formed by an oxygen atom is $2$.

Carbon Atom Bond Count

The typical number of bonds formed by a carbon atom is $4$.