CBSE Class 9 Science Notes Chapter 3 - Atoms And Molecules

Everything around us—air, water, metals, and even our own body—is made up of tiny particles called atoms and molecules. Atoms are the smallest building blocks of matter, and when they combine in fixed ratios, they form molecules. Understanding how atoms join together, how chemical formulas are written, and how mass is conserved during reactions builds the foundation of Chemistry at the secondary level.

CBSE Class 9 Notes Science Chapter 3 – Atoms and Molecules provide clear and structured explanations of key concepts such as laws of chemical combination, Dalton’s atomic theory, atomic and molecular masses, valency, and writing chemical formulae. These atoms and molecules class 9 notes are designed to simplify complex numerical problems and definitions into easy-to-revise points, helping CBSE students strengthen conceptual clarity and score confidently in exams.

1.0Download CBSE Notes Class 9 Science Chapter 3 Atoms And Molecules: Free PDF

Students can now download free PDF CBSE Class 9 Science Chapter 3 – Atoms and Molecules Notes designed to simplify complex concepts and aid quick revision. Download now and give your Science preparation a smart and structured boost with this reliable study material!

2.0Laws of Chemical Combination

1. Law of conservation of mass: Mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
2. Law of Definite Proportions: Elements are always present in fixed proportions by mass in a chemical compound.

Also Read: 2026 Class 10 Solved Question Papers

3.0Dalton’s Atomic Theory Postulates

• All matter is made of tiny particles called atoms and are indivisible.
• Atoms of all elements can neither be created nor destroyed in chemical reactions.
• Atoms of an element are the same in mass and properties.
• Atoms of different elements possess different masses and different properties.
• Atoms combine in small whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• The number and types of atoms in a compound are constant.

Drawbacks of Dalton's Atomic Theory

• Atoms are divisible into subatomic particles (protons, neutrons and electrons).
• Dalton’s theory doesn't explain isotopes, atoms of the same element with different masses.

4.0Elements and Symbols

Dalton introduced a system of notation to represent elements, while Berzelius proposed the symbols used today.

1. Berzelius' Symbols of Elements

Element Symbols:

• Single Letters: Elements like Carbon (C), Boron (B), and Oxygen (O) use their first letter.
• Two Letters: Elements like Aluminium (Al) and Chlorine (Cl) use the first letter and another in lowercase.
• Latin Names: Symbols like Iron (Fe) from ferrum and Sodium (Na) from natrium derive from Latin.

Atomic Mass:

• Atomic mass is the mass of an atom of an element.
• The relative atomic mass is how many times an atom of an element is heavier than 1/12th of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

Molecule:

• A molecule is the smallest particle of an element or compound that can exist independently.
• Examples: H₂O (water), O₂ (oxygen), O₃ (ozone).
• A single hydrogen atom (H) is not a molecule. When atoms bond, molecules such as H₂ (hydrogen gas) or H₂O (water) form.

Atomicity:

The number of atoms constituting a molecule is referred to as atomicity.

Compound:

A substance formed when two or more elements chemically combine. A compound has a fixed ratio of elements and distinct properties. Examples include Water (H₂O), Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), Calcium oxide (CaO), and Sodium chloride (NaCl).

5.0Differences Between a Molecule and a Compound

• A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond chemically and can consist of the same or different elements. While all compounds are molecules, not all molecules are compounds. Example: Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is a molecule, not a compound. It consists of two hydrogen atoms.
• Compound: A molecule of two or more different elements bonded chemically. Example: Water (H₂O) is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

6.0Ion

A charged particle is formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons.

1. Cation: A positively charged ion. Examples: Na⁺, Ca²⁺.
2. Anion: A negatively charged ion. Examples: F⁻, Cl⁻.

7.0Chemical Formula

A chemical formula depicts the composition of a compound by using element symbols along with their corresponding valencies. Here’s a brief overview:

• Symbols of Elements: Represent the elements in a compound.
• Valency: The combining capacity of an element, showing how atoms mix with others. For example, hydrogen (H⁺) has a valency of 1, and oxygen (O²⁻) has a valency of 2.

Rules for Writing Chemical Formulas:

1. Balance Valencies: Ensure that the total positive and negative charges are equal.
2. Order of Elements: Write the metal before the non-metal. For example, Sodium Chloride is NaCl.
3. Polyatomic Ions: If more than one polyatomic ion is present, place them in brackets. For example, calcium nitrate is written as Ca(NO₃)₂.

Writing Formulas for Simple Compounds (Binary Compounds):

1. Write the symbols of the elements.
2. Note the valencies of each component.
3. Crossover the valencies to balance the formula.

The formula for aluminium oxide: 

Symbol    Al     O

                  ↘↙

Valency    3           2

Formula Al₂O₃

8.0Molecular Mass

• Definition: The total of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule is called the molecular mass.
• Calculation: Multiply the atomic mass of each element by the number of its atoms in the molecule, then add these values.

Formula Unit Mass

• The sum of all atoms' atomic masses in an ionic compound's formula unit.
• Calculation: Add the atomic masses of the elements in the formula unit. For example, for Sodium Chloride (NaCl): 

(1×23) + (1×35.5) = 58.5 u

9.0Mole Concept

• Mole: A unit representing 6.022 × 10²³ entities (atoms, molecules, ions).
• Avogadro’s Number: 6.022 × 10²³, used to calculate the number of particles in one mole of a substance.

10.0Key Features of CBSE Science Notes for Class 9 Chapter 3

• Concept-Based Learning: Focuses on building a strong foundation by explaining scientific laws and definitions with relatable examples.
• Simplified Explanations: Complex theories such as Dalton’s Atomic Theory and the concept of a mole are broken down into easy-to-understand language.
• Quick Revision Material: Ideal for last-minute prep, with highlighted key points, definitions, formulas, and diagrams.
• Complete Chapter Summary: Covers all major concepts like laws of chemical combination, atoms, molecules, atomic mass, and mole concept in a simplified manner.
• NCERT-Aligned Content: Designed strictly as per the latest CBSE syllabus and NCERT Solution guidelines to ensure exam relevance.

11.0Solved Examples 

1. Convert into mole. (a) 12 g of oxygen gas, (b) 20 g of water, (c) 22 g of carbon dioxide.

Solution:

To convert grams to moles, use the formula:

Moles = Mass (g) / Molar Mass (g/mol)

(a) 12 g of Oxygen Gas (O₂)

• Molar Mass of O₂: 2×16 g/mol=32 g/mol
• Moles of O₂: 12 g / 32 g/mol=0.375 moles

(b) 20 g of Water (H₂O)

• Molar Mass of H₂O: (2×1)+16=18 g / mol
• Moles of H₂O: 20 g / 18 g/mol ≈ 1.11 moles

(c) 22 g of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

• Molar Mass of CO₂: 12+(2×16)=44 g / mol
• Moles of CO₂: 22 g / 44 g/mol=0.5 moles

2. Calculate the molar mass of the following substances. (a) Ethyne, C₂H₂ (b) Sulphur molecule, S₈ (c) Phosphorus molecule, P₄ (Atomic mass of phosphorus = 31) (d) Hydrochloric acid, HCl (e) Nitric acid, HNO₃ 

Solution: 

To find the molar mass of a substance, the atomic masses of all the atoms present in one mole of the compound are added.

(a) Ethyne (C₂H₂)

• Molar Mass: 

(2 × mass of C atom ) + (2 ×  mass of H atom)

=(2×12) + (2×1) = 24 + 2 = 26 g/mol

(b) Sulphur Molecule (S₈)

• Molar Mass: 8 ×  Atomic mass of S₈

 =8 × 32 = 256 g/mol

(c) Phosphorus Molecule (P₄)

• Molar Mass: 4 × Atomic mass of P₄

=4 × 31 = 124 g/mol

(d) Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

• Molar Mass: Atomic mass of H +Atomic mass of Cl 

=1 + 35.5 = 36.5 g/mol

(e) Nitric Acid (HNO₃)

• Molar Mass: (Atomic mass of H) + (Atomic mass of N) +(3×Atomic mass of O)

=1+14 +(3×16) =1+14+48=63 g/mol