Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an atom and a molecule? Or if there is even a difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have very different definitions and properties.
In this post, we will explore what is molecule in chemistry and the differences between atoms and molecules in detail. From the structure of each to how they interact with other particles.
Definition of Molecule in Chemistry
In chemistry, a molecule is an electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Molecules are distinguished from ions by their lack of electrical charge. However, in quantum mechanics, molecules as a whole can be classified as either bosons or fermions.
Definition of Atom in Chemistry
Atoms are the basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements. The term “atom” comes from the Greek word for indivisible because it was once thought that atoms were the smallest things in the universe and could not be divided.
Structure of Atom and Molecule
An atom is the smallest particle of an element that has the chemical properties of that element. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The protons and neutrons are in the nucleus, and the electrons orbit around the nucleus.
A molecule is two or more atoms bonded together. Molecules can be either covalently bonded or ionically bonded. In covalent bonding, the atoms share electrons, and in ionic bonding, one atom donates electrons to another atom.
Difference between an Atom and a Molecule
Atoms are the basic units of matter and the defining structure of elements. The term “atom” comes from the Greek word for indivisible because it was once thought that atoms were the smallest things in the universe and could not be divided.
Molecules are groups of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. So, a molecule is always made up of at least two atoms. But, importantly, molecules can be made up of different combinations of atoms from different elements.
For example, water (H2O) is a molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between an atom and a molecule is that atoms are the smallest particles of matter while molecules are made up of two or more atoms joined together.
Atoms contain protons, neutrons, and electrons while molecules do not. While both atoms and molecules exist in nature, they have different properties which should be understood before discussing further.
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