Here's why:
* Molecules are made of atoms: A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond together.
* Different molecules have different compositions: A water molecule (H₂O) has 3 atoms (2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen). A carbon dioxide molecule (CO₂) has 3 atoms (1 carbon and 2 oxygen). A glucose molecule (C₆H₁₂O₆) has 24 atoms (6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen).
To find the total number of atoms in a molecule, you need to know the molecular formula.
For example, to find the total number of atoms in a molecule of methane (CH₄):
* Count the atoms in the formula: There's 1 carbon atom (C) and 4 hydrogen atoms (H).
* Add the atoms together: 1 + 4 = 5 atoms.
So, a methane molecule has 5 atoms.