Question

Define homo atomic and hetero atomic molecules?

Answer 1

Atom:

• The smallest particle of an element, which may or may not have an independent existence, is called an atom.

Molecule:

• The smallest particle of a substance capable of independent existence is called a molecule.
• Molecules are formed by the combination of the atoms of the same element or different elements.

Molecules are of two types:

Homoatomic molecule:

• Molecules formed by the same type of atom are known as homo-atomic molecules.
• For example, H₂, Cl_{2 ,} etc.

Hetero-atomic Molecule:

• Molecules formed by different types of atoms are known as hetero-atomic molecules.
• For example, H₂O (water), CO₂ (carbon dioxide), HCl (Hydrogen chloride), etc.