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In [[chemistry]], a '''molecule''' is defined as a sufficiently stable [[electric charge|electrically]] neutral group of at least two [[atom]]s in a definite arrangement held together by strong [[chemical bond]]s.[http://goldbook.iupac.org/M04002.html]Pauling, Linus General Chemistry, Dover Publications, Inc.ISBN 0-486-65622-General Chemistry, 3th Ed., Houghton Mifflin Co.ISBN 0-395-43302-9, Brown, T.L., Chemistry – the Central Science, 9th Ed.Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-066997-0, Chang, Raymond, Chemistry, 6th Ed., McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-115221-0, Zumdahl, Steven S., Chemistry, 4th ed., Houghton Mifflin|year, ISBN 0-669-41794-7.  In [[organic chemistry]] and [[biochemistry]], the term ''molecule'' is used less strictly and also is applied to charged [[organic compound|organic molecules]] and [[biomolecule]]s.

In [[chemistry]], a '''molecule''' is defined as a sufficiently stable [[electric charge|electrically]] neutral group of at least two [[atom]]s in a definite arrangement held together by strong [[chemical bond]]s.[https://goldbook.iupac.org/M04002.html]Pauling, Linus General Chemistry, Dover Publications, Inc.ISBN 0-486-65622-General Chemistry, 3th Ed., Houghton Mifflin Co.ISBN 0-395-43302-9, Brown, T.L., Chemistry – the Central Science, 9th Ed.Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-066997-0, Chang, Raymond, Chemistry, 6th Ed., McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-115221-0, Zumdahl, Steven S., Chemistry, 4th ed., Houghton Mifflin|year, ISBN 0-669-41794-7.  In [[organic chemistry]] and [[biochemistry]], the term ''molecule'' is used less strictly and also is applied to charged [[organic compound|organic molecules]] and [[biomolecule]]s.

Molecules are distinguished from [[polyatomic ion]]s in the strict sense.

Molecules are distinguished from [[polyatomic ion]]s in the strict sense.

This definition has evolved as knowledge of the structure of molecules has increased.  Earlier definitions were less precise defining molecules as the smallest [[list of particles#Molecules|particles]] of pure [[chemical substance]]s that still retain their [[chemical compound|composition]] and chemical properties. [http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/glossary/m.shtml#molecule Molecule Definition]  (Frostburg State University). This definition often breaks down since many substances in ordinary experience, such as [[rock (geology)|rock]]s, [[salt]]s, and [[metal]]s, are composed of atoms or [[ion]]s, but are not made of molecules.

This definition has evolved as knowledge of the structure of molecules has increased.  Earlier definitions were less precise defining molecules as the smallest [[list of particles#Molecules|particles]] of pure [[chemical substance]]s that still retain their [[chemical compound|composition]] and chemical properties. [https://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/glossary/m.shtml#molecule Molecule Definition]  (Frostburg State University). This definition often breaks down since many substances in ordinary experience, such as [[rock (geology)|rock]]s, [[salt]]s, and [[metal]]s, are composed of atoms or [[ion]]s, but are not made of molecules.

In the [[kinetic theory]] of [[gas]]es the term ''molecule'' is often used for any gaseous particle regardless of their composition.E.g. see [http://www.usd.edu/phys/courses/phys_111sf/ch_10/10_notes.htm] According to this definition [[noble gas]]es would also be considered ''molecules'' despite the fact that they are composed of a single non-bonded atom.

In the [[kinetic theory]] of [[gas]]es the term ''molecule'' is often used for any gaseous particle regardless of their composition.E.g. see [https://www.usd.edu/phys/courses/phys_111sf/ch_10/10_notes.htm] According to this definition [[noble gas]]es would also be considered ''molecules'' despite the fact that they are composed of a single non-bonded atom.

== History ==

== History ==

==External links==

==External links==

*[http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/motm.htm Molecule of the Month] - School of Chemistry, University of Bristol

*[https://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/motm.htm Molecule of the Month] - School of Chemistry, University of Bristol

*[http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/VL/GG/antiBD_mol.html Antibody Molecule] - The National Health Museum

*[https://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/VL/GG/antiBD_mol.html Antibody Molecule] - The National Health Museum

*[http://www.ecosci.jp/ec.html Data Book of Molecules] - Home Page for Learning Environmental Chemistry

*[https://www.ecosci.jp/ec.html Data Book of Molecules] - Home Page for Learning Environmental Chemistry

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]