Covalent bonds involve shared electrons and attractions that hold atoms together. Formulas describe composition, while a spatial model also indicates arrangement. Count each element separately before naming the selected molecule. Two separate molecules double the total atom counts without making one larger molecule. The models exaggerate atomic sizes and omit electronic structure and molecular vibrations.
Matter and chemistry · Discover & try
How do atoms make different molecules?
Reading level 4 of 5 · FluentChange
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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