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!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson
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

[@thesurnamewithnoname7188]

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.

[@ThatADHDKid]

It's so wholesome. They're bros and don't care who knows

[@gsav1320]

Dr

[@alexandrerighi]

Whose*

[@draroking]

@@alexandrerighi Hoes*

[@davemottern4196]

I completely agree. Together they make learning fun and entertaining, as it should be.

[@apc4993]

Dr. Tyson, hands down, I never get tired listening to you. Thanks so much for sharing this joyful interview. Enlightening!

[@ifIwillu]

This isn't interview. This is an explainer

[@mrlonely5835]

@@ifIwillu no u

[@mrlonely5835]

@Spike16 everyone who threatens your fragile way of thinking = ILlUmiNATi

[@apc4993]

@@ifIwillu metaphorically speaking, Dr. Tyson's always about 'inter-view' , interview with the cosmos, so I feel utmost humble all the way to call it 'interview'...u digg it?

[@StarTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@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

[@fritzelly7309]

They were formed in the big bang

[@skepticusmaximus184]

Well I doubt it was an natural forces. Clearly these pair were bought together by intelligent design and together they form a mutual 'goldilocks zone' with the perfect constants of humour and education that would be impossible by random forces of nature.

[@StarTalk]

Maybe some carbon atoms which once occupied the same space somewhere else in the universe, millions of years ago, are finding each other again through Neil and Chuck and are catching up.

[@bignamek]

Whatever brought them together might be the fifth fundamental force of the universe.

[@skepticusmaximus184]

@@bignamek Perhaps it could be harnessed as an infinite source of energy. 😲

[@kellygammonkel8815]

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 💛

[@brianwarholic10]

I feel the same at 39 I’m infatuated at 13 I couldn’t wait to go to gym class instead

[@jimr9499]

Same here! I literally just commented the same sentiment in a different explainer video. In school I was always into history and English, and _never_ thought I could be interested in science. But, thanks to people like Dr. Tyson, ever since I finished school I can't get enough of this stuff! And I am so thankful for it.

[@ripwakez955]

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

[@pratyushtrivedi4682]

I'm 17 too , couldn't agree more , love Dr. Tyson

[@KinguIsGreat]

Also 17 here too, there's just something about the huge expanse of space constantly expanding and being such a small component and yet being able to understand and put forth ideas on it's absolute chaos that just makes it so interesting!

[@ripwakez955]

@@KinguIsGreat definitely! The fact that everything we know here on earth and how things work on a day to day basis are all things that started in space and have been working like that for millions of years

[@AristotleMotivation]

17 too, been listening to Dr Tyson since he released cosmos on nateogeographic

[@prla5400]

Yo. I'm 19. Am I welcome to the cool kids club?

[@markQ08]

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! 👍👍

[@FootballWarrior420]

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.

[@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.

[@StarTalk]

He’s not done yet!

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Not sure how he did this as he never discounts relegion.

[@sargeb.cuttin6512]

@@adventureswithfrodo2721 He doesn’t discount religion, but he uplifts various other perspectives and facts outside of religion that allow us to think and take in the universe for ourselves. Something devoutly religious people aren’t always open to.

[@a.s.4914]

Tyson said before, every religion is based on faith, because when there is no scientific evidence of something, it becomes faith. I had never thought about it like that before, but some things you hear, can't be unheard.

[@ranonampangom2185]

@@HopDavid It is destructive, and it does stifle innovation.

[@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.

[@debbiehoagland548]

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!!

[@angiesmith9074]

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

[@StarTalk]

Edutainment! Doesn’t get better than that.

[@pradyumnsoni4322]

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

[@philswede]

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

[@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?

[@dizzguyexplores6598]

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

[@jmmwangi1]

This explainer is way, way deep. Great stuff!

[@Eremon1]

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.

[@corykleiber3086]

Your audio is a little low, been noticing it for a while .. I love the show... I've never agreed with you on social issues in general but you are an amazing story teller and I love that you are bringing science, and the scientific method to the mainstream! Great work. I hope you keep it up!

[@amendes6410]

It's always things I think I already know! This show and it's crew are truly gems.

[@JusNoBS420]

Neil makes Chuck smarter. And Chuck makes Neil laugh

[@ajkonecny6830]

Hey Neil I really love your videos! I already enjoy learning about the universe everyday and getting my daily dose of knowledge. For me, at least, you have a good way of explaining something that makes sense. Even though I've been interested in learning about Astronomy since I was little (I'm in my late teens now) I like to watch your videos on topics like this so I can fully understand what I'm being taught about

[@carnitagroves7758]

Greetings from Ghana! I just LOVE love loooove seeing the comradorie between the two of you. Its just so delightful. ❤

[@75spinoza]

Thanks for this explainer... You make science fun and accessible. The dynamics between Dr Tyson and Chuck works everytime.

[@erichcosta8510]

One of the best explainers!!! So fun to watch! I could listen to him go over the gazillion molecules list all day, any day! Love you guys at Star Talk!

[@StaticBlaster]

And hadrons and leptons have ultra-tiny Plank-sized vibrating filaments/loops of energy giving rise to said hadrons/leptons.

[@anothermouth7077]

I think we deserve a dedicated segment on amazing life of Mr Buckminster fuller!

[@prestonwalling2180]

Neil and Chuck y'all are the best I love this program and respect all that y'all are doing to teach us thanks 🙂

[@UzairJSherwani]

Always jaw dropping knowledge! ♥

[@shalabazertheboltstruck8645]

I can't get enough of these.

[@Starlightlive]

Always extremely entertaining and educational. Great work boys!!

[@juliam7056]

Awesome video !!! You guys are fantastic!!

[@brendacitrom2462]

Thank you Mr deGrasse Tyson. I have enjoyed your videos for years because you help educate us commoners - lol- understand so much about science and how it relates to our daily and historical lives. You’re the best!

[@sinarylarryhuva1850]

They makes science more interesting 👏🏼

[@albert12256]

You two are the best. You guys are the best combination since sodium and chloride.

[@hellomynameisrodney]

The water molecule is fascinating. I also find the helium and argon atom interesting, too. Helium on Earth was actually discovered after it was discovered to be present on the Sun. Helium is feisty in the lab and it prefers to not make compounds--so, like me, it's antisocial unless it is pressured into forming a bond lol

[@bradleyanderson4226]

Request explainer? Gravity VS General Relativity. I've seen some other videos recently but REALLY want to hear Neil's input.

[@StarTalk]

Interesting. Your suggestion has been noted!

[@Morelorrr]

@@StarTalk ❤omg yessssssss

[@amirreza2612]

"Just because some group is not in the majority, is not reason to think that they are not relevant." What a quote Dr.Tyson.

[@iand7475]

A big hole in my understanding of the universe has just been filled, thanks Neil !!!!!

[@iramkumar78]

This is a great combo!

[@venkelos6996]

I'm glad I found this video, because on other of these, I've wanted to say stuff like "if sodium goes boom in water, and chlorine makes it safer to swim in, bur don't drink it, then why do they combine to just make it taste slightly better?", or "if hydrogen and oxygen are 73°F gases, then why is water a liquid", and then hydrogen is explosive, but not in water. It's a really amazing set of maybes in molecules; not you might get something different, but I what different somethings can do. As a total aside, if carbon and silicon are similar, it would be neat to see if silicon also made something like diamond, and then under what circumstances, or what properties that would have. It's also kind of odd what different elements require to get together. I can't just fill a vessel with gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, and watch it condense into water, or through sodium into a chlorinated swimming pool, and avoid the explosion by it becoming simple table salt. There is free-available oxygen to breathe; it doesn't just react with anything around it that it can, but it will, over time, interact with my silver ring, and cause it to tarnish.

[@lisathuku8950]

I loovee this show .. Always learning something new in a fun way with lot's of comedy!!! I fall in love with our universe every day thanks to you unraveling it's mysteries and qualities ..💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@johnnycastro5879]

it's one of those things at are meant to be together! I love this! it's educational and fun at the same time!

[@tanksblitz4934]

A very nice video

[@mmare1263]

I love the topic. Kids in year 7 , here in the UK, find it hard to make the difference between the two.

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Love your social commentary, Neil! Verdad!! 🤩🥰😃👍🏾💕🎊

[@antie4ie]

That is the best explanation so far why there is chance other earth like us. It crazy to think!!

[@victorlopezdominguez2840]

Got here faster than light!

[@madeincda]

A perfect episode. It even ended with relevant moral advice written by the Universe!

[@StarTalk]

Some say perfection doesn’t exist… I’d show them this episode.

[@brandontankersley8107]

that was rather impressive.

[@GR8L8R]

Can Chuck please always end with a question or two? We got so much more!

[@josephsellers5978]

Atoms vs Molecules would be a blowout

[@steby123]

I enjoy your site very much Dr. Tyson, being part of a family of teachers stretching back historically to 1420!!!

[@michaelflanagan8881]

This was a good1‼️

[@coosoorlog]

It's basically hard work, determination, and putting yourself out there constantly.

[@ahatimaattigray1036]

Mr.Tyson & Chuck- The best Molecule😎

[@mosekimangtaunyane9212]

Hello Dr Tyson It is always great to learn from you. I have a quick question for you.... What is the brightest colour in the universe? M Taunyane from South Africa

[@gi24desean10]

i wonder how many more combinations of atoms there are that could create molecules with extraordinary properties. The possibilities must be endless

[@JimPirkle]

Chuck was on point today!

[@Zagy21]

I was waiting for Neil to say “molecular mercury in certaine vaccines isn’t the same as elemental mercury”. But good explainer.

[@JusNoBS420]

This is why in high school when the Army recruiter comes by he hands out sweat bands. And the Navy recruiter hands out periodic table of elements charts

[@songOmatic]

I love Neil's take on binary at the end. F the haters. Try LOVE. We are all part of the same universe.

[@colonelkurtz2269]

Something to check out and enjoy is the WKRP IN CINCINNATI episode where Venus Flytrap teaches a kid disaffected with school about the atom using a street gang story. I remembered it from my childhood. If you get the chance, watch it. It's short and I think a brilliant piece of sitcom writing.

[@richardforee1342]

Aloha and thanks! I view Startalk on KZbin, so I just put your info about that WKRP episode and found that clip. Unreal!

[@colonelkurtz2269]

@@richardforee1342 you're welcome

[@fahimontu7065]

Chuck u r the best host ever!!!

[@MrDusuke]

great video

[@tuhalu4123]

Buckminsterfullerene and the Geodesic Domes sounds like the name of a band.

[@Dead_Z]

When were quarks discovered and is there something smaller then a quark? Love how the way things are explained.

[@daliborzeljkovic672]

Half a quark.

[@melvinsnenish2127]

I think that quarks are as small as it gets, from current knowledge.

[@RaspberryJamming]

Thank you so much for 13:49-14:05 . Absolutely unexpected to hear you reference non-binary in Star Talk so I really appreciated it and I'm sure others do, too.

[@zuffer1675]

Mr Tyson is my favourite teacher

[@shubhsrivastava4417]

Fun Fact: Swapping carbon in carbon dioxide with silicon will form silicon dioxide which is sand!

[@mohitjajodia]

It would be lovely if u make one video summing up all the findings of James Webb Space Telescope.

[@suelocknane6967]

I feel so honored to have my own personal astrophysicist. Thanks!

[@quadrogong1111]

Hey Dr Tyson ! ..high five from Queens, NY!🤠✌️

[@TheReallyRealSunTzu]

Dr Tyson and Chuck should make an explainer on how electricity flows through wires. Recently saw some Veratasium videos and now it seems like all my understanding of electricity was wrong

[@richardforee1342]

Aloha! Saw the same damn episode and now I don't have any understanding of electricity.

[@richardforee1342]

@JM Coulon Aloha and again thanks! Are you specifically referring to the fact that electrons don't really behave as presented in this model, orbitals?

[@richardforee1342]

@JM Coulon I appreciate your time and info on this. Have a nice day, aloha!

[@panosmathioudakis501]

Hi Neil! Can you pls explain the binary universe? 13:34. Thanks

[@PalgunaGopireddy]

Nice. Thank you

[@williamdeangellodavis2224]

I love star talk, y’all should go on tour 😆🤧

[@StarTalk]

We had one in Philly at the end of April!Subscribe to our newsletter on www.startalkradio.net to see if we’re coming to a city near you!

[@williamdeangellodavis2224]

@@StarTalk will do! Thank you .

[@ready1fire1aim1]

Bring back the conversation about Monads from Gottfried Leibniz, please. It is time ⏲

[@pushinkeys]

I came to Star Talk for Neil but now find myself only looking for the videos with Neil and Chuck, they are hilarious together, I stay laughing each video! 😂😂

[@R1ckDeckard]

If Key & Peel were actual scientists

[@MenelmacarGR]

13:00 best unexpected ending of all times! 😊

[@QuantumStulmy21]

I like you guys...and chuck ! U are the NaCl of the whole video!

[@ayanleahmed1316]

God bless dr tyson from somalia

[@philproffitt8363]

Buckminster Fullerine's nickname is even cooler...'Bucky Balls' 😁

[@maryrhudy9250]

Buckminster Fullerine. That is a righteous name for a band!

[@zitherzon2121]

9:40 Fun fact: "The Horta" was a prop monster used in the last episode of the TV show The Outer Limits" taken by Gene Roddenberry to be used in one of the first episodes of "Star Trek" Gene R. predicted recycling also before its time.

[@yasserd86]

When are you guys getting together… no more Video call!!!! I miss them animated explanations also

[@Josephkerr101]

I never knew that about the columns. That's... Like life changing revelation.

[@t.nysted4146]

Could we agree that in the race between atoms and molecules, life as we know it would be very impossible without the atoms first. If we are going by this argument I will argue that molecules would not exist without atoms and without their ability to combine in so many very interesting and useful combinations.

[@tolontolon5538]

i was gonna say the same thing

[@nightmare5479]

But what if atoms couldn't combine in different ways to form molecules?

[@christianosminroden7878]

@@nightmare5479 Then there wouldn‘t be molecules. And since life is essentially „sets of molecules replicating themselves by recombining other molecules and atoms into copies of themselves and into still other molecules that help sustaining that copy process“, life wouldn‘t exist either, even IF molecules existed but were unchangeable.

[@nightmare5479]

@@christianosminroden7878 and so would life

[@christianosminroden7878]

@@nightmare5479 While you were writing that, I edited my comment to include exactly that. 😉

[@DankoMe]

I can not believe you were talking about form of carbon and forgot to mention diamond :o

[@marcosvillalta9509]

Thank you!

[@mikeimbrogno4150]

I'll make you this deal: you can have Buckminsterfullerene for your band, if I can have Chuckminsterfullerene for mine!!! Love you guys! Love Star Talk!

[@ttbb2909]

good one

[@NikosKoravos]

These two form a molecule of fun!

[@ronastro1]

I think science teachers need to use this style to make learning fun.

[@albooga]

13:40 amazing

[@lucaspico5115]

you guys are awesome

[@SteveC38]

Does everybody else after watching these sit back and think... "Wow, imagine the things I could have done if I were half as smart as Neil" or is it just me?

[@brandontankersley8107]

not even as smart, but rather as inquisitive.

[@omvinodjadhav1484]

Molecule is very important for our life

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Uh... Duh!!! You are MADE of molecules!

[@anubhav914]

Hi sir, The two examples you gave of water and table salt where their individual properties of constituent particles is different from the properties of actual molecule. I have a query that we are discussing different nature of properties. When oxygen inflames things it does have a chemical reaction. When water extuingishes fire it has a physical reaction where bonds between water molecules loose and they are more distant and become steam