answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The difference between an atom and a molecule is that a molecule is made up of two atoms or more that are bonded together. The atoms of the molecule can bonded in a covalent bond or any other type of chemical bond.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

7mo ago

An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties, consisting of a nucleus and electron cloud. A molecule consists of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds, forming a stable unit. In essence, molecules are composed of atoms, and atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

An atom is different than a molecule because of its composition. An atom is only made of a single element, whereas a molecule is made of multiple elements that are bonded to one another. That means that molecules are made of atoms.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Atoms (the smallest particle that can take part in a chemical change) are what compose molecules. This simple concept brings with it many important ramifications.

First, why do atoms form molecules? Atoms have a nucleus of a collection of protons and neutrons, with a cluster of electron probability surrounding it. When an appropriate atom approaches another appropriate atom in the right way (such that a bonding orbital will be formed) the electrons change their preferred location. Now, instead of being around an atom in a symmetrical fashion, they will prefer to be between the atoms. This is because when there are two atoms, there are two nuclei; thus, twice as much positive charge in the vicinity. This entire process serves to lower the potential of the system, which is favored in nature.

An important difference between atoms and molecules are how the interact with each other. An atom can only interact (attractively) with a like atom through London dispersion. This is where the motion of electrons forms a momentary multipole, which then induces a similar (but opposite) momentary dipole in a neighboring atom. These interactions are normally very weak.

Molecules can interact in a variety of different ways. First, due to electronegativity differences between its compositional atoms, a molecule may have a permanent dipole. When surrounded by other molecules that have permanent dipoles, these molecules exhibit dipole-dipole interaction, which is generally much stronger than London dispersion. A special kind of dipole-dipole interaction is called hydrogen bonding, and occurs when a relatively small electronegative atom bonds with a hydrogen atom. These are normally even stronger than standard dipole-dipole interactions.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

An atom is the smallest particle of an element that has the properties of that element. A molecule is composed of two or more chemically bonded atoms. Examples of molecules: H2, Cl2, H2O, CO2, NaNO3, CuSO4

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Because an atom is the smallest unit of matter that cannot be broken down by chemical means and molecule is a group of atoms held together by covalent bonds.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

A molecule will be two or more atoms joined by their valence electrons.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

A molecule is formed from two or more atoms.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does a molecule differ from a atom?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How does a molucule differ from an atom?

A molecule is a collection of atoms that are chemically bonded together. An atom is just a single entity.


State one way in which a molecule of hydrogen and a molecule of oxygen differ?

One way in which a molecule of hydrogen and a molecule of oxygen differ is in their chemical formula. A molecule of hydrogen consists of two hydrogen atoms (H2), whereas a molecule of oxygen consists of two oxygen atoms (O2).


How atom of hydrogen is differ from molecule of hydrogen?

atoms are the building blocks of all matter, a molecule will contain atoms within it


How does the spectrum of a molecule differ from spectrum of a atom?

A molecule has additional spectral lines due to changes in its rotational and vibrational energies.


How do an atom of hydrogen and a molecule of hydrogen differ?

A molecule consists of many atoms. When you have a hydrogen molecule, or whatever other type of molecule for that matter, you have many hydrogen atoms that make it.


How does a molecle differ from an atom?

A molecule is a group of atoms Example: two atoms of Hydrogen + one atom of oxygen = H20 (water)


How do the definitions of oxidation and reduction differ?

Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom or ion. Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.


How is a molecule differ from an atom?

Atoms make up stable molecules. An atom is a single atom of an element. For example an atom of Helium(He) A molecule is two or more atoms bonded together. So hydrogen in its natural state of H2 is a molecule containing two hydrogen atoms. Another example is H2O which contains to atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.


Is Be a atom or molecule?

Is Ne a atom or molecule


How does a molecule and atom differ in meaning?

A molecule is 2 or more atoms clinging together in some fashion. The molecule can be simple, that is, the same substance as the atoms, or it can be compound, that is, the atoms are different, and are of a different substance as the atoms.


Is a molecule part of a atom?

no an atom is a part of a molecule.


Is carbohydrate a molecule or atom?

A carbohydrate is a molecule, not an atom.