Atoms

Atoms

1. The smallest part of an element that can exist.

   • molecule
     • A group of two or more (up to thousands) atoms strongly joined together. Most non-metal elements exist either as small or giant molecules.

2. carbonate

   • A compound that includes carbon and oxygen atoms, as well as a metal element. There are three atoms of oxygen for every one atom of carbon. E.g. Copper Carbonate CuCO3
     • sulfate
       • A compound that includes sulfur and oxygen atoms. There are four atoms of oxygen for every one atom of sulfur. E.g. Copper sulfate, CuSO4.
   • hydroxide
     • A compound that includes hydrogen and oxygen atoms, as well as a metal element. There is one atom of oxygen for everyone atom of hydrogen. E.g. sodium hydroxide, NaOH.
       • nitrate (chemistry)
         • A compound that includes nitrogen and oxygen atoms, as well as a metal element. There are three atoms of oxygen for every one atom of nitrogen. E.g. sodium nitrate, NaNO3.

3. compound

   • Pure substances made up of atoms of two or more elements, strongly joined together.

4. element(s)

   • Substances that all other materials are made up of, and which contain only one type of atom. An element cannot be broken down into other substances.

5. natural polymer

   • A polymer made by plants or animals. Examples include starch, wool, cotton, and rubber.
     • polymer
       • A molecule made by joining up thousands of smaller molecules in a repeating pattern. Plastics are synthetic polymers, and starch is a natural polymer.
         • synthetic polymer
           • A polymer made by people, often in a factory. Examples include poly(ethene) and poly(propene).

6. unreactive

   • Elements that take part in few chemical reactions are unreactive.