Difference between an Atom and a Molecule

In this blog, we will explore the key differences between atoms and molecules, and how they interact to form the substances that make up our world.

What is an atom?

An atom is the basic unit of matter that makes up all elements. It is the smallest unit of an element that can participate in chemical reactions. Atoms contain three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What is a molecule?

A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together.  A molecule can be made up of atoms from the same element (like oxygen, O2) or from different elements (like water, H2O).

Key Differences between an Atom and a Molecule

Size

Atoms are the smallest unit of an element that can participate in chemical reactions, while a molecule is a group of atoms bonded together. A molecule can be made up of one or more atoms.

Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Molecules are made up of two or more atoms bonded together.

Composition

Physical State

Atoms are typically gaseous and cannot be seen with the naked eye, while molecules can exist in various physical states like solid, liquid, and gas, depending on the type of molecule.

Swipe up to visit eTutorWorld and explore more