What Makes a Molecule? | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains…

What makes a molecule? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore atoms versus molecules. What makes molecules behave the way they do?

We dive into different molecules and the atoms that make them. Can you tell what a molecule does based on the atoms inside? Find out about water, sodium chloride, buckminsterfullerene, and other molecules. How many configurations of carbon are there? How much of the universe is made up of hydrogen and helium? We discuss silicon-based life and what elements on the periodic table are the most chemically active in the universe. Is there anything the universe can’t teach us?

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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0:00 - Introduction
0:41 - A History Of Atoms
1:01 - Composition Of Atoms
1:37 - Electrons
2:19 - Properties Of Molecules
6:36 - Properties Of Atoms
7:17 - Buckminsterfullerene
8:00 - Geodesic Domes
9:34 - Periodic Table
12:28 - Atoms vs Molecules
15:12 - Closing Notes

[thesurnamewithnoname]

I don't know who's idea it was to get these two together but they should get a raise. Mr. Tyson and chuck are a great combination. These star talks are so much fun.

[SimonJanoSessions]

I love Neil deGrasse, but in the company of Chuck, I love him WAY more. Chuck humor is natural, fresh and inventive. Good JOB GUYS!!!

[SerDunk]

Whatever natural forces brought these two together, I am thankful 😅 Love this show

[Mr-Chris]

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a icon. He's who I look up to. On a personal level he's who persuaded me to give up religion, but give in and hope on Humanity. Thank You Neil! You've had a major impact on someone's life here on this earth.

[ripwakez]

I love what you do Dr. Tyson. Your a huge inspiration for me as a 17 year old whos always been inspired and amazed by space

[kellygammonkel]

Back when I was in school I never thought science would be my biggest interest as an adult. I can't get enough, I'm like a big sponge just soaking up the knowledge. I thank you so kindly for the information you provide, your time and efforts. You are appreciated 💛

[MeadowFarmer]

I love the way Neil breaks down anything in science so that regular people can understand it. I always learn something from his videos.

[markQ]

Guys don't ever go apart it's so entertaining and educating, thank you 👌

[grannysvids]

When you think you know everything, listen to Neil, he's a world of knowledge! 👍👍

[FootballWarrior]

Dr. Tyson is like the John Madden of Physics. He educates and breaks it down to a comphrenedable level, while making it enjoyable for everyone listening. Love it, thanks.

[debbiehoagland]

Explainer videos are BY FAR my favorite. I like how they go into detail about a topic. And Chuck is amazing and hilarious as always, best comedian on the show!!

[AceSpadeThePikachu]

When I took chemistry in highschool I was always confused by the properties of the "transition metals. " Like, Alkali metals are easy to understand; they have either one or two extra electrons in their outermost shell that they easily let go of to a non-metal, like Oxygen, Chlorine or Florine (6, 7 and 7 outer shell electrons respectively). All atoms are at their most stable when they have EXACTLY 8 (with the exception of Hydrogen and Helium which only need 2) electrons in their outer shells. I can wrap my head around that just fine. Even the metaloids like Carbon and Silicon I get because they have four electrons in their outer shell, meaning they have no strong preference to giving those electrons to non-metals or taking them from metals. Or even just sharing them with other metaloids so they "take turns" with the electrons (non-metals do this too). And when metals aren't bonded to non-metals they share their outer electrons with the entirety of the solid or liquid hunk of that metal (hence why they conduct electricity so well).

What confuses me about transition metals is that they take up a huuuge chunk of the periodic table between the alkali metals and the metaloids. How many outer shell electrons to metals like iron, titanium and copper have? 1? 2? 3? 4? Does it vary? If so, how and why does it very? Is each individual atom different? Do some iron atoms how two outer electrons and some have three? Are their outer shells fundamentally different than the other elements? Can their outer shells hold 16 or 32 electrons? What's up with those elements?

[angiesmith]

You two are the best! Thank you for educating me while entertaining me!

[pradyumnsoni]

The perspective on life and the universe whenever I listen to you guys is what I love for. I cherish these moments the most. Super grateful for wha you do. You have great impacts on my life in such a happy way. Thank you so so much <3

[JusNoBS]

Neil makes Chuck smarter. And Chuck makes Neil laugh

[Swede__DragonBeliever]

Greetings from Sweden.
You, Sir, just got yourself a new subscriber.

[Eremon]

I remember in high school science class a teacher was explaining molecular structure and the interesting properties matter can have with the smallest change to that molecule. An example was the spearmint molecule and it's mirror image of the very same molecule results in the flavor of caraway seed.

[isatousarr]

In geochemistry and astrophysics, understanding the behavior of atoms versus molecules is crucial for exploring both planetary systems and the origins of life. Atoms, as the fundamental building blocks, combine to form molecules, which exhibit diverse behaviors depending on their structure and bonding. This interplay is key in biochemistry, where molecular interactions underpin the complexities of life. How might our insights into atomic and molecular behavior shape our understanding of biochemical processes in extreme environments, such as those found in space?

[johnsutton]

I love listening to Neil talk. It is so much better than watching news that just talks about negative things.

[dizzguyexplores]

I can't get enough of Startalk. Great episode!