The atoms of some elements like helium do not form bonds. Helium atoms are single atoms. The atoms of elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen join in pairs to make molecules.

Students often confuse the terms atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds. Here, we will elaborate on atoms and molecules to bring better clarity to students and make the concept more understandable.

Want to learn more about atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds? Here are some things to try: Listen to the Science Friday interview with Steven Porder or read an excerpt from his book, Elemental: ...

It highlights that everything in the world is made up of atoms, which combine to form molecules. There are over 100 different types of atoms, and materials can be classified into elements, ...

Many heavy atoms form from a supernova explosion, the remnants of which are shown in this image. NASA/ESA/Hubble Heritage ...

An atom consists of a heavy center, called the nucleus, made of particles called protons and neutrons. An atom has lighter ...

Atoms can touch in other ways too, because the electromagnetic force isn’t always repulsive. When atoms get close enough, a manifestation of the electromagnetic force, called the Van der Walls force, ...

The precursors of heavy elements might arise in the plasma underbellies of swollen stars or in smoldering stellar corpses.

Exotic atoms and molecules are forms of basic matter in which one subatomic particle is replaced by another with the same charge. ... Rydberg molecules are a key element of ultracold chemistry.

Robert Lucht, the Ralph and Bettye Bailey Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and his published book “Fundamentals of Laser Spectroscopy for Atoms and Diatomic Molecules.” May 21, 2025 ...