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What an Atom, Molecule and Compound?
23, Feb, 2024
Atom:
An atom is the basic unit of matter, consisting of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) and one or more electrons orbiting the nucleus.
Atoms are the building blocks of all chemical elements.
Examples:
Hydrogen (H): The simplest atom, consisting of one proton and one electron.
Carbon (C): Consists of six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons.
Molecule:
A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Molecules are the smallest units of compounds and retain the chemical properties of the substances.
Examples:
Oxygen (O2): Consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together. This molecule is the form of oxygen found in the Earth's atmosphere.
Water (H2O): Consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. It's a fundamental compound for life.
Compound:
A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in fixed proportions.
Compounds can be represented by chemical formulas indicating the types and numbers of atoms present.
Examples:
Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Common table salt. It consists of one sodium atom bonded to one chlorine atom.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Consists of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is a greenhouse gas and occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere.
These examples illustrate the distinction between atoms, molecules, and compounds in chemistry. Atoms are the basic units of matter, molecules are formed when atoms combine, and compounds are substances composed of molecules with specific chemical compositions.
Additional Referecences...
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