Final answer:
A database is used to track, store, manage, and analyze large data sets efficiently, distinguishing it from simple storage folders or application software.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a database is to keep track of things. A database is akin to a computer that can store and perform calculations on large data sets, including a large amount of experimental results on the molecules and their motion.
It is designed to manage a large body of information that enables users to perform operations like adding new, updating or retrieving data efficiently and securely.
Unlike a simple storage folder which only holds files, or application software which is used to create and manipulate data, a database is optimized for ensuring that the stored data is consistent and can easily be queried and reported upon.