Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Atom and Molecule?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Atom and Molecule?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between an atom and a molecule lies in their composition and structure:

  • Atom: An atom is the smallest component of an element, representing the smallest unit of matter that still has all the properties of its element. Atoms consist of subatomic particles, such as electrons, protons, and neutrons.
  • Molecule: A molecule is a neutral particle made of two or more atoms bonded together. Molecules can be composed of atoms of the same element or different elements. They exist freely in nature but do not participate in chemical reactions as individual units.

In summary, atoms are the building blocks of elements, while molecules are groups of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental units of chemical compounds.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Atom and Molecule?
  • Comparative Table: Atom vs Molecule

    • Comparative Table: Atom vs Molecule

    Here is a table outlining the differences between atoms and molecules:

    Characteristic Atoms Molecules
    Definition The smallest, most fundamental unit of an element that retains the properties of that element Two or more atoms chemically bonded together
    Structure Composed of subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons Consists of more than two atoms, either of the same element or different elements
    Stability Atoms are not stable when alone; they cannot exist individually Molecules are stable when alone and can exist individually
    Separability Atoms cannot be separated into subatomic particles by chemical reactions Molecules can be separated into atoms by chemical reactions

    Examples of atoms include hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). Examples of molecules include oxygen gas (O2), hydrogen chloride (HCl), phosphorus (P4), and sulfur (S8).

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.