What do you understand by the following
- atom
- Molecule
An atom is defined as the basic unit of element which possesses the properties of the element. By basic, we mean that it is the building block of matter . It is the smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction. Every atom consists of protons, neutrons and electrons. For example Carbon will consist of atoms which will show the properties of carbon only and not any other element.
A molecule on the other hand is a group of two or more atoms formed when these atoms chemically combine with each other. These atoms may either be of same of or different elements. For example, 2 atoms of Hydrogen and one atom of oxygen combine to form one molecule of water. Similarly, 2 hydrogen atoms combine with each other to form a molecule of hydrogen.