Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Benjamin R.
status       student
age          9

Question -   Which is bigger?  Water or oxygen molecules? Why?
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Benjamin,

It is hard to answer your question because I do not know what you mean by
"bigger." Do you mean size or weight? If you look up water in a reference
book you will discover that it is made of two hydrogen atoms connected to one
oxygen atom. A water molecule is shaped like a little pyramid; an oxygen
molecule is shaped like a very short, fat hot dog. An oxygen molecule is
heavier than a water molecule.

Regards,
ProfHoff 396
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