The difference between atoms and molecules exists. Atom refers to the smallest component unit of a chemical element. Molecules are a group of two or more particles that are kept together due to chemical bonds.
In Chemistry, Atoms, and Molecules two are familiar words. In this blog, we will learn about atoms and molecules and their properties and then discuss their differences.
Definition of Atoms:
An atom is named the tiniest unit of an element, which may or may not have a self-dependent presence but still takes part in a chemical reaction. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that contains the characteristics of the element. An atom comprises sub-atomic particles that cannot be made or destroyed. All atoms in the same element are identical, and different elements have different types of atoms. Chemical reactions occur when two or more atoms are held together and participate in a reaction.
The atom is called the fundamental unit of matter. Atom is comprised of electrons, protons, and neutrons, and it can not be further divided. Due to the reaction between different atoms, a chemical reaction takes place. Structural chemistry is more of balancing chemical reactions. To balance a chemical reaction, we use different Chemistry Formulas.
An atom can not be divided further. But the atom consists of a Proton, Neutron, and electron. Proton and neutron together form a nucleus. And the electron circle around this nucleus. The nucleus comprises protons and neutrons gathered in the center of the atom. The masses of these protons and neutrons are about the same, but the charges differ. The proton has a positive charge, the neutron has no charge, and the electron has a negative charge. The positive charge of an atom corresponds to the negative charge. Therefore, it is electrically neutral. In addition, protons and neutrons are made up of components: quarks and gluons.
Atoms Example:
A single unit of any element present in the periodic table is called an atom. Here are some examples of atoms that we have shown below:
- Neon (Ne)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Iron (Fe)
- Argon (Ar)
Definition of Molecules:
Molecules are described as reactions between two or more same atoms, or different atoms, bonded by diverse chemical bonds. Molecules are considered the smallest part of a substance And represent all the properties of that particular substance. When a molecule is broken down, the properties of its constituent elements become apparent. Even if a pure substance is broken down into smaller parts, each part contains the properties of the main elements.
When two or more atoms are very close together, the electrons in the atoms interact to create an attractive force between the particles called a chemical bond. The exchange of electrons between atoms creates chemical bonds. It is predominantly known as a covalent bond. Therefore, a molecule is formed when two or more atoms are combined into a single entity with the help of covalent bonds.
Molecules Example:
A molecule is formed when two or more atoms combine and do a reaction to develop a chemical bond. It can be simple or complex. Here are some examples of molecules:
- Water (H2O)
- CaO (Calcium Oxide)
- Ozone (O3)
Different Types of Molecules:
Diatomic Molecules:
A diatomic molecule is made of only two atoms of the same type of different chemical elements. Example O2 and CO. But if a diatomic molecule is made of two atoms of the same element, for example, Oxygen (O2) or Hydrogen (H2), it is called homonuclear.
Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules
When two, not identical atoms are held together and react, they form Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules. The molecule is formed by combining atomic orbitals and unequal energies if the atoms are not the same. The result is a polar bond in which the nuclear orbitals contribute unevenly to each molecular orbital. Example: CO, NO, HCl
Homonuclear Diatomic Molecule:
A homonuclear diatomic molecule is a substance composed of two atoms of the same chemical element bonded by one or more covalent bonds. Hence, the atoms of a homonuclear diatomic molecule are the same. Homonuclear diatomic molecules are also called mononuclear compounds.
Example: Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)
Difference Between Atoms and Molecules:
| Sr. No. | Atoms | Molecules |
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Atoms are the smallest particle of matter. | Two or more atoms form Molecules |
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It is the smallest particle that contains the structure of the element. | |
| 3. | An atom consists of a nucleus and an electron cloud. | A molecule consists of two or more identical or different types of atoms forming a chemical bond together. |
| 4. | An atom has a spherical shape. | A molecule can have linear, triangular, and even angular shapes. |
| 5. | We can not see it with naked eyes and not from a magnifying microscope. | Not visible to human eyes, but we can see it from a magnifying microscope. |
FAQ:
Ques 1- What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?
Ans- Atoms are the tiniest independent particle of an element that takes part in the chemical reaction. While molecules are the smallest neutral particles made of two or more atoms.
Ques 2-Give an example of an atom and molecule.
Ans- An atom may not have matter characteristics, but a molecule has every matter property. An example of an atom is Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen, while the molecule is H2, O2, and N2.
Ques 3-Which chapter is atoms and molecules in class 9?
Ans- Atoms and Molecules belong to Chapter 3 of the Chemistry Book of Class 9. You should study from NCERT Solution for Class 9 Science to study more about atoms and molecules.
The Author and owner of this is Brijesh Sharma
