Atoms and molecules are the smallest building blocks of all matter. Due to the various characteristics of atoms and molecules, many types of matter exhibit different properties. As a result, the characteristics of the atoms and molecules that make up matter are dependent upon one another. Atoms make up all matter. We now take this as expected, and it's one of the first things you learn in chemistry studies in high school or secondary school. Despite this, our understanding of what an atom is shockingly new; only 100 years ago, scientists were still discussing the precise appearance of an atom. Amedeo Avogadro initially proposed the idea of molecules in 1811, and many scientists accepted it on the basis of Dalton's principles of Definite and Multiple Proportions (1803-1808). However, prior to Jean Perrin's study in 1911, the majority of physicists considered molecules to be nothing more than useful mathematical abstractions. In this article, we will study how an atom differs from a molecule through various properties.
Atoms
The basic building block of matter is an atom. Because it was formerly believed that atoms were the smallest particles in the world and could not be separated, the word "atom" is derived from the Greek word for "indivisible." Today, however, we are aware that protons, neutrons, and electrons are some of the smallest components that make up atoms. Chemical reactions happen due to interactions between atoms. Atomic reactions are the ones that cause chemical reactions to occur. A molecule is made up of atoms combined with one another. Protons and electrons often have an equal amount. It may or may not be possible to exist independently. The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons. The electrons are positioned on various orbital levels and encircle the nucleus.
1. Characteristics of Atoms
Atoms are incredibly tiny, with a size of about 1 x 10-10 meters.
Protons, neutrons, and electrons are the three different types of particles that make up an atom. At the center of the atom, in the nucleus, are protons and neutrons, and in its orbit are electrons.
An atom's atomic number, which identifies the element to which it belongs, is based on how many protons are in its nucleus.
The total amount of protons in an atom is equal to the total number of electrons orbiting it, making atoms electrically neutral overall.
Atoms can gain or lose electrons to create ions, which, depending on the number of electrons they possess, can have a positive or negative charge.
The building blocks of compounds are molecules, which are formed when atoms are combined. The features of the atoms involved, such as their electronegativity, size, and electron configuration, determine the type of bond that forms between them.
2. Molecule
A molecule is formed up of several atoms that combine chemically. These atoms are bound together by certain forces of attraction. Atoms of the same or different elements can bind together to form molecules. A molecule is the smallest component of a material that is capable of existing on its own and possesses all of that substance's characteristics.
1. Characteristics of a Molecule
Molecules can exist in solid, liquid, or gaseous states.
Compared to ionic compounds, molecules have a higher boiling point or a lower melting point.
They can either have low solubility or high solubility.
Molecules are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
In molecules, several solids can join to form a network crystal like in a diamond.
2. Molecules of Elements
The molecules of an element are made up of combinations of atoms of similar types. For example, hydrogen (H) contains just one atom, whereas oxygen contains two. There exist monoatomic, diatomic, triatomic, or polyatomic molecules.
3. Atomicity
The number of atoms in a molecule is referred to as the element's atomicity.
Name of the element | Atomicity | Molecular formula |
Helium | Monoatomic | He |
Neon | Monoatomic | Ne |
Argon | Monoatomic | Ar |
Sodium | Monoatomic | Na |
Iron | Monoatomic | Fe |
Aluminium | Monoatomic | Al |
Hydrogen | Di-atomic | H2 |
Oxygen | Di-atomic | O2 |
Chlorine | Di-atomic | Cl2 |
Nitrogen | Di-atomic | N2 |
Phosphorus | Polyatomic (Tetra) | P4 |
Sulphur | Polyatomic (Octa) | S8 |
4. Molecules of Compounds
Atoms from different elements are combined in a specific ratio to form compound molecules. For example- One nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms combine to form ammonia.
2. Difference between an Atom and a Molecule
Basis | Atom | Molecule |
Meaning | It is the smallest unit of matter with all of an element's chemical properties. | It is the smallest unit of a substance and is made up of two or more atoms that are joined by chemical bonds and retain the structure and characteristics of that substance. |
Existence | An atom may exist freely or as a molecule or ion. | A molecule is capable of existing on its own. |
Constituents | Protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons revolve in orbit around the nucleus. | Two or more atoms of the same elements or different elements are chemically combined. |
Shape | An atom is assumed to exhibit a spherical shape. | The locations of the nuclei and electrons in a molecule define its shape. |
Visibility | Neither visible to the naked eyes nor to a magnified microscope | Not visible to the naked eye but are visible under a magnifying microscope |
Reactivity | An atom's reactivity is based on the number of electrons in its outermost shell. | A molecule becomes more reactive if it has one or more weak bonds or bonds where the electron distribution between the two atoms is uneven. |
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Summary
In conclusion, a molecule is made up of sets of atoms, typically two or more, and an atom is the smallest unit of any chemical or matter. The fundamental building blocks of molecules are, in fact, atoms, which are smaller than molecules. You can observe that atoms appear smaller when compared to molecules when you compare the sizes of the two. Since atoms are the basic building blocks of molecules, it is impossible to divide an atom into any smaller parts. It has a nucleus, protons, and electrons. On the other hand, molecules may easily be broken down into atoms that may be related or a part of a group. Sizes and shapes vary even among atoms and molecules.
Key Takeaways
Key Points
The smallest unit of matter is an atom.
An atom is made up of various particles known as protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Atoms are bound together to form molecules.
A molecule is created when atoms join and exist independently of one another.
Key Terms Neutrons:
Neutrons are subatomic particles that have no charge. Protons: Protons are subatomic particles that are positively charged. Electrons: Electrons are subatomic particles that are negatively charged.
FAQs
1. What are atoms and molecules?
The modern atomic theory states that an atom is the smallest particle of an element that participates in a chemical process. Atoms are the fundamental units of all matter. A molecule is formed up of several atoms that combine chemically. These atoms are bound together by specific forces of attraction. Atoms of the same or different elements can bind together to form molecules.
2. What distinguishes an atom from a molecule?
An atom is the smallest component of a chemical element that may or may not be self-existent. The smallest component of a complex is a molecule, which is made up of a collection of atoms that a bond holds together. Two or more atoms can be the same or different and still form chemical bonds.
3. How many atoms are there in a molecule?
A molecule is the smallest unit of a substance that retains its composition and properties. It is made up of two or more atoms that are joined together by chemical bonds.
4. What is the shape of an atom?
The electrons spin around the nucleus of an atom, and the protons and neutrons are tightly packed inside the nucleus. Therefore, an atom is assumed to have a spherical shape.
5. What type of bond is formed in a molecule?
The type of bond formed in a molecule is a covalent bond.
Conclusion
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