New
New
Year 8
Molecular elements
I can describe a molecule and draw pictures of elements made from molecules.
New
New
Year 8
Molecular elements
I can describe a molecule and draw pictures of elements made from molecules.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many non-metals are in the gas state at room temperature.
- Some non-metals form diatomic molecules that contain two atoms (e.g. O₂, N₂, H₂, Cl₂).
- Some non-metals are monatomic and do not form molecules.
- Noble gases are monatomic and are listed in the right-hand column of the periodic table.
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.
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.
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 (2025), 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
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6 Questions
Q1.
What state of matter has particles held in fixed positions?
Liquid
Gas
Q2.
Where are non-metals located on the periodic table?
Left side
Middle
Bottom
Q3.
What is the boiling point of water (in °C)? Give your answer as a number.
Q4.
Which element's model is described as a ball that cannot be broken
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.
always react with other elements.
Q6.
What does it mean when elements react together?
they change state
they form a mixture
they separate into atoms
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is a molecule?
a single atom
a type of metal
a form of energy
Q2.
Which of the following is a diatomic molecule?
Helium (He)
Neon (Ne)
Argon (Ar)
Q3.
Identify the diatomic molecules.
N₂O
SiO₂
Q4.
Which gas is monatomic?
Oxygen (O₂)
Chlorine (Cl₂)
Hydrogen (H₂)
Q5.
Which statement about molecules is incorrect?
All molecules are made of atoms.
Molecules can consist of atoms from different elements.
Molecules are held together by chemical bonds.
Q6.
The molecular formula for a diatomic nitrogen molecule is...
Q3 image 1 UYSEG