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Chapter 2: Problem 25

What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An atom is often part of a molecule and is the basic unit that defines the elemental properties of a substance. A molecule consists of two or more atoms that are held together by covalent bonds. Molecules can be simple with only two atoms or they can be complex such as macromolecules.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding an atom

An atom is the smallest component of an element, characterized by a sharing of the number of protons in the atomic nucleus. Every solid, liquid, gas, and plasma is composed of neutral or ionized atoms. Atoms consist of a nucleus that contains protons and neutrons; electrons revolve around the nucleus.
02

Understanding a molecule

A molecule is the smallest identifiable unit into which a pure substance can be divided and still retain the composition and chemical properties of that substance. It consists of two or more atoms of the same or different types that bond together.
03

Distinguishing between an atom and a molecule

Combining both understandings, an atom is often part of a molecule and is the basic unit that defines the elemental properties of a substance. On the other hand, molecules refer to multiple atoms that are held together by covalent bonds. Molecules can be simple with only two atoms or they can be complex such as macromolecules.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Give an example of each of the following: (a) a monatomic cation, (b) a monatomic anion, (c) a polyatomic cation, (d) a polyatomic anion.

Name these compounds: (a) \(\mathrm{KClO},\) (b) \(\mathrm{Ag}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\), (c) \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{2},\) (d) \(\mathrm{KMnO}_{4},\) (e) \(\mathrm{CsClO}_{3},\) (f) \(\mathrm{HIO}\) (g) \(\mathrm{FeO}\) (h) \(\mathrm{Fe}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) (i) \(\mathrm{TiCl}_{4},\) (j) \(\mathrm{NaH},(\mathrm{k}) \mathrm{Li}_{3} \mathrm{~N},\) (l) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) \((\mathrm{m}) \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2},(\mathrm{n}) \mathrm{FeCl}_{3} \cdot 6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Compare the properties of: \(\alpha\) particles, cathode rays, protons, neutrons, and electrons. What is meant by the term "fundamental particle"?

Fill the blanks in the following table. $$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|}\hline \text { Cation } & \text { Anion } & \text { Formula } & \text { Name } \\\\\hline & & & \text { Magnesium bicarbonate } \\\\\hline & & \mathrm{Sr} \mathrm{Cl}_{2} & \\\\\hline \mathrm{Fe}^{3+} & \mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-} & & \\ \hline & & & \text { Manganese(II) chlorate } \\\\\hline & & \mathrm{SnBr}_{4} & \\\\\hline \mathrm{Co}^{2+} & \mathrm{PO}_{4}^{3-} & & \\\\\hline \mathrm{Hg}_{2}^{2+} & \mathrm{I}^{-} & & \\\\\hline & & \mathrm{Cu}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3} & \\\\\hline & & & \text { Lithium nitride } \\\\\hline \mathrm{Al}^{3+} & \mathrm{S}^{2-} & & \\\\\hline\end{array}$$

Write the molecular formula of glycine, an amino acid present in proteins. The color codes are: black (carbon), blue (nitrogen), red (oxygen), and gray (hydrogen).
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