Chapter 1: Problem 1

What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The primary difference between an atom and a molecule lies in their structure and composition. An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element, while a molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

Step by step solution

Understanding an Atom

An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element. It consists of a dense core called the nucleus comprising protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. The number of protons in an atom is called the atomic number, which determines the chemical characteristics of the atom. For instance, a helium atom has two protons in its nucleus, with two electrons orbiting the nucleus.

Understanding a Molecule

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. The atoms may be identical, as in oxygen gas (O2), or different, as in water (H2O). The atoms combine in fixed ratios to form molecules, and these ratios form the basis for the chemical composition of compounds.

Highlighting the Difference

The key difference between an atom and a molecule is that an atom is the smallest unit of an element with the properties of that element, while a molecule is formed by two or more atoms bonded together. An atom can exist independently, while a molecule always consists of two or more atoms.

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What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding an Atom

Understanding a Molecule

Highlighting the Difference

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