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Question

List some difference between an atom or a molecule.

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Solution

Atom refers to the smallest constituent unit of a chemical element. Molecules refer to a group of two or more atoms that are held together due to chemical bonds.

Atom refers to the tiniest particle of an element or compound that is not visible to naked eye. Furthermore, it may or may not exist independently. Besides, it is made up of the nucleus (protons and neutrons) and electrons. Moreover, it has a spherical shape.

In addition, the nucleus of the atom is positively charged and is surrounded by a negatively charged electron. Moreover, the proton and neutrons group together in the nucleus. Furthermore, the protons and neutrons have almost equal masses.

For example- N, H, He, O, K, etc.

Molecule refers to the set of two or more atoms that come together by a bond. Furthermore, they indicate the smallest component of a compound. In addition, they exist in a free state. Also, they comprise two or more identical or non-identical atoms bonded chemically.

Also, the electrons of the molecule can interact with one another, and this attraction results in a chemical bond. Most noteworthy, in the chemical bond the electrons are exchanged between elements, and this process is known as a covalent bond.

For example- CO2, NaCl, HCl, NO2,O3, etc.



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