Properties of Small Molecules (OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚Revision Notes
2.2.5 Properties of Small Molecules
What Are Small Molecules?
Note
Small molecules are also known as simple covalent molecules. They are made up of a small number of non-metal atoms bonded together by sharing electrons, forming covalent bonds.
Properties of Simple Covalent Molecules:
- Low Melting and Boiling Points: These molecules have weak forces between them, so they don't need much energy to separate, making their melting and boiling points low.
- Gases or Liquids at Room Temperature: Because of their low melting and boiling points, many simple covalent molecules are gases or liquids at room temperature, like water or oxygen.
- Do Not Conduct Electricity: Simple covalent molecules don't have charged particles (ions), so they cannot conduct electricity.