Basis of differentiation | Atoms | Molecules |
Definition | Atoms are the smallest units of matter that still retain the characteristic properties of their element | Molecules are a combination of two or more atoms that are held together by chemical bonds |
Components | An atom is made up of three subatomic particles – protons, neutrons, and electrons | A molecule is made up of two or more atoms, which can be of the same element or of different elements |
Stability | Atoms are not stable by themselves in nature due to the presence of electrons in the outer shells. They attain stability by forming chemical bonds with other atoms. | Molecules are formed by atoms to attain stability. They are stable by themselves in nature. |
Separation | Atoms cannot be separated into subatomic particles by chemical reactions. Separation is only possible by nuclear reactions. | Molecules can be separated into atoms by chemical reactions. |
Reactivity | All atoms, except the noble elements, exhibit some amount of reactivity. | Molecules exhibit less reactivity than atoms. |
Examples | Hydrogen (H) Calcium (Ca) Sodium (Na) Chlorine (Cl) Iron (Fe) | Water (H20) Carbon dioxide (C02) Glucose (C6H12O6 ) Table salt (NaCl) Calcium Oxide (CaO) |