Molecules are made up of two or more atoms chemically bonded together. These are usually non-metals.

A monatomic element consists of only single atoms.

A diatomic element consists of two of the same type of atom chemically bonded together.

Molecular elements

Science

Atoms and elements

Properties of elements

Metallic elements

Common elements

Compounds and their formation

Chemical formulae

Naming compounds

A particle model of chemical reactions

In the Understanding Chemical Reactions unit, pupils will build on their knowledge of atoms, elements, and compounds to learn about how atoms rearrange to form new substances during chemical reactions.

In the Solid, Liquid and Gas States and Changes of State unit, pupils learned to categorise substances and understand particle behaviour during changes of state.

This unit explores the basic atomic model, the differences between atoms, elements, and compounds, and the varying physical and chemical properties of elements. It covers chemical symbols, formulae, SI units, and IUPAC nomenclature, emphasising their use in describing elements and compounds.

Atoms, elements and compounds

Which of the following is a diatomic molecule?

Molecules can consist of atoms from different elements.

All gases at room temperature are diatomic.

Molecules are held together by chemical bonds.

Which statement about molecules is incorrect?

The molecular formula for a diatomic nitrogen molecule is...

What state of matter has particles held in fixed positions?

Where are non-metals located on the periodic table?

What is the boiling point of water (in °C)? Give your answer as a number.

Which element's model is described as a ball that cannot be broken 

can be broken down into simpler substances.

Elements are considered pure substances because they...

What does it mean when elements react together?

Molecular elements

Lesson outcome