Atom vs molecules
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Understanding Atoms vs. Molecules: Key Concepts and Misconceptions
Fundamental Characteristics of Atoms and Molecules
Misconceptions in Education
Understanding the fundamental characteristics of atoms and molecules is crucial for learning chemistry. However, misconceptions among students can significantly hinder this learning process. A study involving Grade-12 students identified 52 misconceptions about atoms and molecules, categorized into 11 groups. These misconceptions include misunderstandings about the structure, composition, size, shape, weight, bonding, and energy of molecules, as well as the structure, shape, size, weight, and animistic perceptions of atoms1.
Historical Perspectives on Atoms and Molecules
Historically, the belief in the actual existence of atoms and molecules has evolved significantly. Fifty years ago, chemists and physicists viewed atoms and molecules more as theoretical constructs rather than tangible entities. Over time, vague ideas about their mass, size, shape, and constitution have been replaced by precise quantitative knowledge, which has become foundational for further scientific investigations2.
Atoms in Molecules: Theoretical Insights
Hirshfeld Atoms in Molecules
The concept of atoms in molecules (AIM) is essential in chemistry, providing a framework for understanding molecular structure. The Hirshfeld method, which partitions a molecule into atoms based on information theory, is particularly noteworthy. This method uses the minimum entropy deficiency principle to define atoms within a molecule, offering a robust theoretical tool for analyzing molecular similarity and structure3 4.
Topological Theory and Quantum Mechanics
The topological theory of molecular structure further refines our understanding of atoms in molecules. This theory defines atoms, bonds, and structural stability through the topological properties of a system's charge distribution. Quantum mechanics uniquely determines the average properties of an atom within this framework, allowing for precise calculations of atomic energy in various molecules6.
Covalent Organic Frameworks: Extending Molecular Chemistry
From Atoms to Covalent Organic Frameworks
The development of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represents a significant advancement in molecular chemistry. These frameworks are crystalline, microporous materials assembled from organic molecules through strong covalent bonds. This process, known as reticular synthesis, parallels the historical development of covalent bonding theories by Gilbert N. Lewis. COFs exhibit high porosity, thermal stability, and chemical robustness, enabling a wide range of applications from gas separation to energy storage5.
Future Directions in Framework Chemistry
The chemistry of COFs continues to evolve, with emerging challenges such as functionalizing existing frameworks and creating flexible materials through molecular weaving. This innovative approach combines covalent and mechanical bonds, introducing flexibility and dynamics into solid structures. The ability to design atomically well-defined interfaces within these frameworks opens new avenues for material science and synthetic chemistry5.
Conclusion
The study of atoms and molecules is foundational to chemistry, with significant historical and theoretical developments shaping our current understanding. Addressing educational misconceptions, refining theoretical models, and exploring advanced materials like covalent organic frameworks are crucial for advancing the field. As our knowledge continues to grow, so too does our ability to manipulate and control matter at the atomic and molecular levels.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Grade-12 Students' Misconceptions Relating to Fundamental Characteristics of Atoms and Molecules.
Grade-12 students hold 52 misconceptions about atoms and molecules, affecting their understanding of chemistry and potentially hindering their learning.
Highly CitedWhat is an atom in a molecule?
The concept of atoms in molecules (AIM) is crucial for chemistry, but it is a noumenon in the sense of Kant.
Highly CitedInformation theory, atoms in molecules, and molecular similarity.
The "stockholders partitioning" of a molecule, using information theory, provides a useful definition for atoms in molecules and helps assess molecular similarity.
Highly CitedThe atom, the molecule, and the covalent organic framework
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer robust, thermally stable structures for various applications, including gas separation, energy storage, catalysis, and electronics, with potential for molecular weaving for added flexibility.
Highly CitedCalculation of the average properties of atoms in molecules. II
The PROAIM program accurately calculates the average energy of an atom in a molecule to within 1 kcal/mol using the topological theory of molecular structure.
Highly CitedPROPERTIES OF ATOMS IN MOLECULES : ATOMIC POLARIZABILITIES
The theory of atoms in molecules is applied to determine atomic and group contributions to molecular polarizability in diatomic and polyatomic systems, covering a wide range of atomic interactions.
Highly CitedAtoms in Molecules From Alchemical Perturbation Density Functional Theory.
APDFT-based atoms in molecules (AIMs) provide unambiguous and exact definitions of energies and electron densities in various small molecules, offering meaningful and counter-intuitive interpretations of chemical bonding and electron densities.
Atoms in molecules, an axiomatic approach. I. Maximum transferability
This paper proposes an axiomatic basis for the concept of atoms in molecules, focusing on transferability and the Hirshfeld atomic description.
Highly CitedAn experimentalist's reply to "What is an atom in a molecule?".
Experimental chemistry has consistently shown that the properties of a total system are the sum of its atomic contributions, and experimentalists are unavoidably measuring atomic properties in their experiments.
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