Explain the difference between the atom and the molecule of an element. Can a molecule of an element be the same as its atom? Give an example.

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Solution

Atom Molecule

Atom is the smallest particle of an element which cannot be further divided chemically. Molecule is defined as the smallest particle of a compound which can be further divided in to atoms chemically.

It may or may not exist freely in nature. A molecule bears the same property as its atom.

Example: Hydrogen (H) Examples: Hydrogen gas (H₂)

A molecule of an element can be same as its atom.
Example: A molecule of oxygen will have 2 atoms of oxygen.

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Similar questions

(a) What is an atom ? How do atoms usually exist?

(b) What is a molecule? Explain with an example.

Assertion (A): Ozone is an example of a molecule of an element.

Reason (R): Molecules formed by different kind of atoms is known as molecule of an element.

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Atom	Molecule
Atom is the smallest particle of an element which cannot be further divided chemically.	Molecule is defined as the smallest particle of a compound which can be further divided in to atoms chemically.
It may or may not exist freely in nature.	A molecule bears the same property as its atom.
Example: Hydrogen (H)	Examples: Hydrogen gas (H₂)