Question

Differentiate between the following: Atoms and molecules.

Answer 1

Atoms	Molecules
An atom is the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction.	A molecule is the smallest particle of a substance (element or compound) that has the properties of that substance and can exist in the free state.
Atoms of most of the elements are very reactive.	A molecule is an electrically neutral group of two (or more) atoms.
Atoms of most of the elements do not exist in the free state (as single atoms).	Molecules of most of the elements or compounds exist in the free state (as a single particle).
Example: H, O, N, Ca, Sn, etc.	Example: O2, Cl2, CO2, H2SO4, etc.