Making Making MoleculesMolecules

First, Look at the Periodic TableFirst, Look at the Periodic Table

[_____________________] [_____] [___________________] [___] donors share acceptors

selfishElements are “happiest” when they have all of their possible 8 valence electrons filled; just like people are happiest when their belly is filled. If they have less, they will seek out other elements to share electrons, and thus complete their mission to fill their outer electron energy levels.

Groups 1,2,13, are all givers

of electrons. We call th

em

“electron donors”.

Group 15 – 17 are takers of

electrons. We call th

em

“electron acceptors”.

Group 18 are the “noble”

elements, and therefore

do not share with other

elements.

Row 14, with elements like Row 14, with elements like Carbon and Silicon like some Carbon and Silicon like some people we all know, work best people we all know, work best in groups!in groups!

If Sodium and Chlorine find each If Sodium and Chlorine find each other, they will combine easily other, they will combine easily to make Sodium Chloride – table to make Sodium Chloride – table salt.salt.

Magnesium & Oxygen combine to form Magnesium Oxide. It Magnesium & Oxygen combine to form Magnesium Oxide. It requires lots of energy because it’s TWO electrons that move requires lots of energy because it’s TWO electrons that move instead of one. But, involving more electrons, also means vast instead of one. But, involving more electrons, also means vast energy is given off, once the reaction starts!energy is given off, once the reaction starts!

Noble elements, or those on the right Noble elements, or those on the right side of the periodic table will not side of the periodic table will not combine with anything! They’re combine with anything! They’re completely happy with their 8 electrons completely happy with their 8 electrons that fill their energy levels.that fill their energy levels.

Larger molecules with more than two atoms Larger molecules with more than two atoms can be combined, like 3 Sodium + 1 can be combined, like 3 Sodium + 1 Phosphorus. They share the correct number Phosphorus. They share the correct number of atoms to fill the valence electrons with 8 to of atoms to fill the valence electrons with 8 to create Trisodium Phosphide.create Trisodium Phosphide.

Of course, an easy one to Of course, an easy one to recognize is Hrecognize is H22O - water.O - water.

Sugar – CSugar – C66HH1212OO66

To read about sugars and To read about sugars and other carbon chain nutrients, other carbon chain nutrients,

here’s the link for you!here’s the link for you!carbon chain molecules