What are the differences between atoms and molecules?

Question

Accepted Answer

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)

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)

Basis of differentiation

Atoms

Molecules

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