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Year 8

Molecular elements

I can describe a molecule and draw pictures of elements made from molecules.

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New
New
Year 8

Molecular elements

I can describe a molecule and draw pictures of elements made from molecules.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Many non-metals are in the gas state at room temperature.
  2. Some non-metals form diatomic molecules that contain two atoms (e.g. O₂, N₂, H₂, Cl₂).
  3. Some non-metals are monatomic and do not form molecules.
  4. Noble gases are monatomic and are listed in the right-hand column of the periodic table.

Common misconception

Assuming that substances like sodium chloride (NaCl) are diatomic.

It is very important to emphasise that only non-metals exist as monatomic or molecules.

Keywords

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

  • Monatomic - A monatomic element consists of only single atoms.

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

Labelled, sealed jars can be used to show students examples of elements in different states. Students can also think of other words which have 'mono' and 'di' in to help them associate 'mono' with one, and 'di' with two.
Teacher tip

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).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What state of matter has particles held in fixed positions?
Liquid
Gas
Correct answer: Solid
Q2.
Where are non-metals located on the periodic table?
Left side
Middle
Correct answer: Right side
Bottom
Q3.
What is the boiling point of water (in °C)? Give your answer as a number.
Correct Answer: 100, one hundred, a hundred, hundred
Q4.
Which element's model is described as a ball that cannot be broken
Correct answer: Dalton's
Newton's
Einstein's
Bohr's
Q5.
Elements are considered pure substances because they...
are gases at room temperature.
can be broken down into simpler substances.
Correct answer: consist of only one substance.
always react with other elements.
Q6.
What does it mean when elements react together?
they change state
they form a mixture
Correct answer: they form a new substance
they separate into atoms

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a molecule?
a single atom
Correct answer: a combination of two or more atoms
a type of metal
a form of energy
Q2.
Which of the following is a diatomic molecule?
Helium (He)
Correct answer: Oxygen (O₂)
Neon (Ne)
Argon (Ar)
Q3.
Identify the diatomic molecules.
N₂O
Correct answer: H₂
Correct answer: HCl
SiO₂
Q4.
Which gas is monatomic?
Oxygen (O₂)
Chlorine (Cl₂)
Correct answer: Neon (Ne)
Hydrogen (H₂)
Q5.
Which statement about molecules is incorrect?
All molecules are made of atoms.
Molecules can consist of atoms from different elements.
Correct answer: All gases at room temperature are diatomic.
Molecules are held together by chemical bonds.
Q6.
The molecular formula for a diatomic nitrogen molecule is...
Correct Answer: N₂, N2
Q3 image 1 UYSEG