Question

Difference between atom and molecule and compound

Answer 1

An atom is defined as the basic unit of element which possesses the properties of the element. By basic, we mean that it is the building block of matter . It is the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction. Every atom consists of protons, neutrons and electrons. For example Carbon will consist of atoms which will show the properties of carbon only and not any other element.


A molecule on the other hand is a group of two or more atoms which combine together to form a single species, whose properties are different from that of the combining elements. It is the smallest unit of a compound. For example, 2 atoms of Hydrogen and one atom of oxygen combine to form one molecule of water.

A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. A compound is a molecule that contains at least two different elements. All compounds are molecules but not all molecules are compounds.
A compound is a substance that results from a combination of two or more different chemical elements, in such a way that the atoms of the different elements are held together by chemical bonds and atoms combine in a fixed ratio. The compound is made up of by combining so many molecules.

A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. Combining atoms may refer to same element or different elements.

For example, water (H2O) is a compound which contains so many water molecules.

And one water molecule is formed by chemical combination of 2 atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.


I hope it helps you