|
Answer» Difference between atoms and molecules are as follows: Atom | Molecule | It is a smallest particle of an element. | It is a group of two or more atoms combined together. | It consists of nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons. | It consists of combination of two or more same or different atoms chemically bound together. e.g. H2, HCl, NaCl etc. | It can neither be seen through naked eye nor through magnifying microscope. | It is not visible to naked eye, while can be seen through highly magnifying microscope. | It cannot be further divided. | It can further be divided to give individual atoms. | It may or may not have independent existence. | They are capable of having independent existence.
For example, atom of oxygen (O) has no independent existence but its molecule exists as O2 in nature. | It has nuclear bond or attraction within it i.e. it involves electrostatic attraction between the positive nucleus and electrons. | It has chemical attraction or bonding between the atoms i.e. it involves single, double or triple bonds between the atoms. |
|
