molekuloj

Molekuloj are the fundamental building blocks of matter, formed when two or more atoms chemically bond together. These atoms can be of the same element, as in a molecule of oxygen (O2), or of different elements, as in a molecule of water (H2O). The specific arrangement and types of atoms in a molecule determine its unique properties, such as its shape, reactivity, and how it interacts with other molecules.

The forces that hold atoms together in a molecule are called chemical bonds, primarily covalent bonds where atoms share electrons. The number of atoms in a molecule can vary greatly, from the simple diatomic molecules like hydrogen (H2) to complex macromolecules like DNA, which contains millions of atoms. Molecules are the smallest units of a pure substance that retain the chemical and physical properties of that substance. For example, a single molecule of salt (NaCl) still exhibits the characteristics of salt. Understanding molecules is crucial in chemistry, biology, and materials science, as it allows us to explain and predict the behavior of substances at the atomic level and to design new materials with desired properties.