What is the difference between Atom and Molecules?

Dear Student,

Followings are the difference between the atom and molecules:

Atom Molecule
  • Atom is a smallest particle of an element.
  • Molecule is a group of two or more atoms combined together so it is bigger.
  • Atom consists of nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons.
  • Molecule consists of combination of two or more like or different atoms chemically bound together e.g. H2, HCl, NaCl etc.
  • Atom can neither be seen through naked eye nor through magnifying microscope.
  • Molecule is not visible to naked eye, while can be seen through highly magnifying microscope.
  • Atom cannot be further divided.
  • Molecule can further be divided to give individual atoms.
  • Atoms may or may not have independent existence.
  • Molecules are capable of having independent existence.For example, atom of oxygen (O) has no independent existence while its molecule exists as O2 in nature
  • Atom has nuclear bond or attraction within it i.e. it involves electrostatic attraction  between the positive nucleus and electrons.
  • Molecule has chemical attraction or bonding between the atoms i.e. it involves single, double or triple bonds between the atoms.


Regards

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 An atom is smallest particle in an element that has the properties of the element. It is not possible to breakdown the atom further retaining the properties of the element. Atoms are not visible to the naked eye and are the basic building blocks. For example the atoms of element gold cannot be broken down further and each atom has the properties of gold.

Molecules are formed by the combination of two or more atoms. Unlike atoms, molecules can be subdivided to individual atoms. The atoms are bonded together in a molecule. Molecules also are not visible to the naked eye, while can be seen through highly magnifying microscopes and other scientific devices. Water is comprised of numerous water molecules. Each water molecule is made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. So a water molecule can be further divided into oxygen and hydrogen atoms. But these atoms cannot be subdivided. In a molecule, atoms are bonded together by single, double, or triple bonds.

hope this will help u.

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an atom is the smallest component which can take part in a chemical reaction
a molecule is the smallest component which can exist stably on its own
eg. an atom of nitrogen is N, but it cannot exist independently, but a molecule of nitrogen is N2 can exist on its own.
an ion is a charged particle- with electrons accepted on donated
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 Thanks

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 Thanks Simran

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ur welcum..........

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atom!!!!
molecule!!!!!!

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 An atom is smallest particle in an element that has the properties of the element and can take part in chemical reactions.

Molecule are formed by combination of atoms

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 welcome

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thanks

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mk

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