What are the differences between an atom and a molecule?

Q. What are the differences between an atom and a molecule?

Top Answer

Atom	Molecule
An atom is the smallest unit of an element. It cannot be broken down further while keeping its chemical properties.	A molecule is formed when two or more atoms chemically bond together.
Atoms are made of three tiny particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.	Molecules can be made of the same type of atom or different types of atoms.
Example: Hydrogen atom (H): It has 1 proton and 1 electron. Oxygen atom (O): It has 8 protons, 8 neutrons, and 8 electrons.	Examples: Oxygen molecule (O₂): Made of two oxygen atoms bonded together. Water molecule (H₂O): Made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together.