Atoms, elements and compounds
I can describe elements as being made up of only one type of atom, and that elements can combine chemically to form compounds.
Atoms, elements and compounds
I can describe elements as being made up of only one type of atom, and that elements can combine chemically to form compounds.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Atoms of every element consist of the same three subatomic particles.
- All elements consist of their own atoms, with a unique number of protons defining the element.
- Everything around us is made of different combinations of atoms, either on their own, or in compound form.
- We use element symbols in formulae as a common language to share chemical compositions.
Keywords
Atom - An atom is the smallest particle that everything is made up of.
Element - An element is made up of only one type of atom, a list of elements can be found on the periodic table.
Compound - A compound is made of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.
Chemical formula - The chemical formula of a molecule is a shorthand way of listing the type and number of atoms in a compound.
Chemical composition - The chemical composition tells you the different types of atoms in a chemical.
Common misconception
Students often think that an elemental diatomic molecule, e.g. hydrogen, is a compound because they see two atoms chemically joined together.
The teacher needs to emphasise the definition for compounds. Molecules are not the same as compounds, some molecules are compounds, not all.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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26
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Exit quiz
6 Questions
The smallest particle that everything is made up of.
Made up of only one type of atom.
Made of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.
A shorthand way of listing the type and number of atoms in a compound.