Atoms and Molecules - Atoms and Molecules
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Summary:
The difference between an atom and a molecule can further be understood with an example
Energy and matter comprise most of the universe. Energy is the capacity to do work, and matter is the mass that occupies space. Matter is made of basic elements, which cannot be broken further into substances. These elements are substances, which are fabricated with one type of atom. For example, pure (24 karats) gold is made of only one kind of atom, known as gold atoms. An atom is the smallest particle in the element, which is further divisible and encompasses a neutron, proton, and electron. A group of atoms held together with the aid of a chemical bond is known as a molecule. A molecule is the simplest unit of a compound, which carries the chemical properties of the compound. A molecule can be divided into smaller parts.
What is an atom?An atom is the smallest unit of matter. The word 'Atom' is a Greek word meaning indivisible. This is because atoms were once considered the smallest particle in the universe, which could not be divided further. Typically, an atom comprises two regions:
- The nucleus is located in the center of the atom and contains protons and neutrons.
- The outer region hosts the electrons in the orbits, which run around the nucleus. Each electron carries a negative charge (-1), while the proton has a positive charge (+1).
A molecule is the smallest unit of an element or a compound. It has the chemical characteristics of a Compound and exists independently in nature. A group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded form a molecule. This molecule, in turn, reflects the properties of its substances. The number of atoms combined to form a molecule is known as the atomicity of the molecule.
What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?| PARTICULARS |
ATOM |
MOLECULE |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition
|
An atom is the basic and smallest unit of matter, which contains a central nucleus with orbits wrapped around it. |
A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are held together by a chemical covalent bond. |
|
Charge
|
Atom |
Molecules are neutral and do not carry any charge. |
|
Composition
|
An atom consists of a neutron, proton (which lies in the central nucleus), and electrons (which run in the orbit). |
The composition of a molecule is determined by the substance. |
|
Existence
|
Atoms may or may not exist in a free state.
|
Molecules exist in a free state. |
|
Shape
|
Atoms are spherical. |
Molecules either have a triangular, linear, or angular shape. |
|
Visibility
|
Atoms are very minute. They are not visible to the naked eye and also not through a magnifying microscope. |
Molecules are also very minute and are not visible to naked eyes. However, they are visible through a magnifying microscope. |
|
Reactivity
|
Atoms are highly reactive but may vary in some exceptions. |
Molecules are comparatively less reactive. |
| Bond |
Atoms are nuclear bonds. |
Molecules are covalent bonds. |
|
Stability
|
An atom referring to its nature may not always be stable because of the presence of electrons in its outer shell. |
Molecules are formed to achieve stability. |
A molecule of water (H2O) comprises two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. On the other hand, an atom of oxygen is the basic unit formed with eight protons, eight neutrons, and eight electrons. Similarly, if three atoms of oxygen combine, they form O₃, which is ozone.
Both atoms and molecules together make up the entire universe. As mentioned earlier, the atoms come up together to form a molecule, but the atoms don’t usually carry the chemical properties when they form a molecule. A detailed study of structural chemistry concerned with Valence further determines the definite ratios in which the atoms combine to shape a molecule.
Dates Section:| Domain | national |
| Exam Type | preparation |
| Is Conducting Body | No |
| Is Exam Paid | 0.0 |
| Is Abroad | 0.0 |
| Abbreviation | Atoms and Molecules |
| Is Abroad | 0.0 |
| Exam Year | 2021 |
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