Atoms and Molecules

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Atom

Atom is the smallest particle of an element, which may or may not have independent existence. It is made up of subatomic particles like electrons, protons and neutrons. Atoms of one type of element differ from those of the other due to different number of subatomic particles.

Carbon element

Molecule

It is smallest particle (of an element or compound), which is capable of independent existence. Molecules are formed by combination of atoms.

Molecules are formed by combination of atoms

• If the molecule is made up of atoms of the same element it is said to be homo-atomic.

Examples: O₂, N₂

• If the molecule is made up of atoms of the different elements it is said to be hetero-atomic.

Examples:CO₂, H₂O, SO₃, HCl