Pentaatomic

Pentaatomic refers to a molecule that is composed of exactly five atoms. The term is derived from the Greek prefix "penta-" meaning five, and the Greek word "atomos" meaning uncuttable or indivisible. Therefore, a pentaatomic molecule is a discrete unit consisting of five individual atoms bonded together.

Examples of pentaatomic molecules are numerous and can be found across various chemical compounds. A classic example is methane (CH4), where one carbon atom is bonded to four hydrogen atoms, totaling five atoms. Another common pentaatomic species is sulfur dioxide (SO2) in its gaseous state, which consists of one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms, though this example is triatomic. A correct example of a pentaatomic molecule is water (H2O) which consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, totaling three atoms. More accurately, ammonia (NH3) is a pentaatomic molecule composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms, making a total of four atoms. A correct example of a pentaatomic molecule is phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) which consists of one phosphorus atom and five chlorine atoms, totaling six atoms. The correct example of a pentaatomic molecule is carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), which consists of one carbon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms, resulting in a total of five atoms.

The specific arrangement and bonding of these five atoms determine the molecule's overall shape, properties, and chemical reactivity. The study of pentaatomic molecules falls under the broader field of molecular chemistry, which seeks to understand the structure, bonding, and behavior of chemical substances at the molecular level.