In this article, we will discuss about difference between an atom and a molecule? Firstly start with what is Atom? And What is a molecule? So, let's go through one by one question.
What is an Atom?
Atom is a basic unit of matter, including nucleus of electrons, protons and neutrons. In simple words, Atoms are the building blocks of matter. Atoms are very tiny that cannot be seen with naked eye.
On the basis of number of protons, Atoms are classified. Number of protons determines the atomic number and chemical properties of an atom.
Each and Every thing in the universe is made of atoms. An atom itself is made up of 3 small types of particles known subatomic particles: Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons. The protons and the neutrons make up the center of the atom known as the nucleus and the electrons moves around the nucleus.
What is a molecule?
Molecule is a group of two or more than two atoms held together with chemical bonding. It is combination of two or more than two atoms which are bonded together chemically. Bonding is depends on the type of atoms present and the situation under which they interact.This bonds can be covalent, ionic or metallic.
Covalent bonds means sharing of an electrons. Ionic bonds means transfer of an electrons from one atom to other atom. Metallic bonding means shared by electrons by all atoms in a metal.
Based on the number and types of atoms containing, molecule can be simple or complex. Let's take one example of water and Glucose. Water (H2O) is simple molecule including one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. And Glucose (C6H12O6) is a complex molecule with six carbon atoms, and six oxygen atoms.
Molecules are also classified as Organic and Inorganic. Organic molecules are the basis of life on Earth with necessary biomolecules such as Lipids, Proteins, Carbohydrates and Nucleic acids etc. Organic molecules plays an important role in biological systems, molecules and many kinds of science and technology. Example: Drugs, Polymers, fibers etc.
The behavior molecules is determined on the basis of molecules chemical and physical properties such as Boiling point, Melting point, mass, density, Solubility, Reactivity, Acidity, Basicity etc. Depending on the conditions of temperature and pressure molecules also classified in solids, liquids and gases i.e. States of matter. Example: Water is in liquid phase at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Water is solid or ice or gas at different conditions.
Study of molecules and its properties is a important topic of various researchers containing Chemistry, Biochemistry and molecular biology.
Nowadays, there is enhanced a interest in study of nanomaterials, that are material made up of molecules and atoms on a nanometer scale. Nanoparticles have unique properties and benefits in medicine, energy and electronics areas.
Difference between an Atom and a Molecule :
1. Atoms are not stable itself, it create chemical bonds with another atoms to stability. Molecules are stable alone.
2. Atoms can't be separated into subatomic particles by chemical reactions. But, Molecules separated into atoms by chemical reactions.
3. Atoms are foundation of molecule. Molecules are with same number of positive and negative charges.
4. Atoms have no bonding. Molecules contains intermolecular force and intramolecular force.
5. Atoms have no any type. Molecules have homo-nuclear and hetero-nuclear.
6. Atoms may or may not occurs independently. Molecules always occurs independently.
7. Example of atoms : Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen etc.
Example of molecules : Water, Nitrogen oxide, Sulphur dioxide etc.
