Words / B2

MOL-ik-yool/ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/

A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound that can exist on its own: a water molecule; molecule of. Atom is a single element unit; compound is the substance. Draw it, then name the bond. Mix-up: mole is an amount in chemistry or an animal; modular is in modules. Do not call an ion a molecule without checking the paper’s wording.

Meaning

The smallest unit of a chemical compound that can exist on its own.

Examples

• “Draw the water molecule, then name the bond type.”
• “A polymer is a long molecule, which is the chain sense.”

Good to know

a molecule of; molecular (adjective). Contrast: atom / ion. Trap: mole. Chemistry and biology. Compound unit, not a garden animal or a mole of substance.

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