2.
1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
KEY CONCEPT
All living things are based on atoms and their
interactions.
2.1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
Living things consist of atoms of different elements.
• An atom is the smallest basic unit of matter.
• An element is one type of atom.
Hydrogen atom (H)
Oxygen atom (O)
O
2.1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
• An atom has a nucleus and electrons.
– The nucleus has protons and neutrons.
– Electrons are in energy levels outside nucleus.
Oxygen atom (O)
outermost energy level:
6 electrons (-)
Nucleus:
8 protons (+)
8 neutrons
inner energy level:
2 electrons (-)
2.1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
• A compound is made of atoms of different elements
bonded together.
– water (H2O)
O
H H
+ +
2.1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
• A compound is made of atoms of different elements
bonded together.
– water (H2O)
– carbon dioxide (CO2)
2.1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
• A compound is made of atoms of different elements
bonded together.
– water (H2O)
– carbon dioxide (CO2)
– many other carbon-based compounds in living things
2.1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
Ions form when atoms gain or lose electrons.
• An ion is an atom that has gained or lost one or more
electrons.
– positive ions
– negative ions
• Ionic bonds form between oppositely charged ions.
gained electron
Na loses an
electron to CI ionic bond
Sodium atom (Na) Chlorine atom (CI) Sodium ion (Na+) Chloride ion (CI-)
2.1 Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
Atoms share pairs of electrons in covalent bonds.
• A covalent bond forms when atoms share a pair of
electrons.
– multiple covalent bonds
– diatomic molecules
covalent bonds
Oxygen atom (O) Carbon atom (C) Oxygen atom (O)
Carbon dioxide (CO2 )
