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Matter and chemistry · Discover & try

How do atoms make different molecules?

Reading level 5 of 5 · AdvancedChange
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Molecular composition and connectivity both matter: a formula alone does not always distinguish different structures. This limited builder matches three specified compositions to familiar covalent molecules rather than claiming to generate all possible chemistry. Atom counts are conserved when groups are counted. The graphical bonds and colours are conventions for explanation, not directly observed coloured objects.

Word help
molecule

A bonded group of atoms.

formula

Symbols showing which atoms and how many are present.

Watch · Try · Explain

See how it works

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Selected composition-and-bond models only; colours, sticks and sizes are symbolic, not chemical synthesis instructions.

What to look for
  • Counts differ between molecules
  • Bonded atoms remain their elements
  • One molecule can contain several atoms
Explain what you noticed

A new molecule has 1 nitrogen atom joined to 3 hydrogen atoms. How many atoms are in the group?

Keep this idea: Count atoms within each bonded group; a group and an atom are different things.

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Source material checked 2026-10-28. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Source links do not imply endorsement.

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