ATOM :-

1.The tiny particle of a chemical element, which may or may not exist independently is called an atom.

2. May or may not exist in free state

3. Comprise of Nucleus and electrons.

4. Division - Indivisible

5. Shape - Spherical

6. Neither visible through naked eyes, nor magnifying microscope.

7. Highly reactive, subject to certain exceptions.

8. Bond - Nuclear bond

MOLECULES :-

1. Molecules refers to the set of atoms held together by bond, indicating the smallest unit of a compound.

2. Exist in free state.

3. Comprise of two or more, identical or different atoms, bonded chemically.

4. Division - Divisible into individual atoms.

5. Shape - Linear, angular and triangular

6. Not visible through naked eyes, but can be seen with the help of magnifying microscope.

7. Comparatively less reactive.

8. Bond - Covalent bond

hope it helps u!!!!!!!

**Atoms and Molecules: Understanding the Difference**

Atoms and molecules are fundamental units of matter, but they differ in their composition and structure. To comprehend the distinction between them, let's delve deeper into their characteristics and properties.

**Atoms: Building Blocks of Matter**
- Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, comprising the smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties.
- They are incredibly minuscule, consisting of a nucleus at the center, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit the nucleus in energy levels or shells.
- Protons carry a positive charge, neutrons are neutral, and electrons possess a negative charge.
- Each element on the periodic table is composed of atoms with a specific number of protons in their nucleus, defining their atomic number.
- Atoms are electrically neutral since the number of protons equals the number of electrons.

**Molecules: Combination of Atoms**
- Molecules are formed when two or more atoms chemically combine in a specific arrangement, held together by chemical bonds.
- These bonds can be covalent, where atoms share electrons, or ionic, where electrons are transferred between atoms.
- Molecules can consist of atoms of the same element, such as oxygen gas (O2), or different elements, like water (H2O) composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
- The properties and behaviors of molecules are determined by the types and arrangements of the atoms they comprise.
- Molecules can be either homonuclear (composed of a single type of atom) or heteronuclear (composed of different types of atoms).
- The ratio of atoms in a molecule is defined by its chemical formula, showcasing the number and type of atoms present.

**Key Differences**
1. Composition: Atoms are the individual particles that make up elements, while molecules are formed by the combination of atoms.
2. Size: Atoms are incredibly tiny, typically measuring around 0.1 to 0.5 nanometers, whereas molecules can vary in size, depending on the number and type of atoms they contain.
3. Structure: Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting around it, while molecules have a specific arrangement of atoms held together by chemical bonds.
4. Electrical Charge: Atoms are electrically neutral, with the number of protons balancing the number of electrons, whereas molecules can possess an overall charge, depending on the distribution of electrons.
5. Representation: Atoms are represented by atomic symbols, such as H for hydrogen, while molecules are represented by chemical formulas, such as H2O for water.
6. Behavior: Atoms mainly participate in chemical reactions by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons to achieve stability, while molecules exhibit various chemical properties based on their composition and arrangement of atoms.

In conclusion, atoms are the individual units that compose elements, while molecules are formed by the combination of atoms through chemical bonds. Atoms are the building blocks of matter, while molecules exhibit unique properties based on their composition and arrangement of atoms. Understanding the distinction between these fundamental units helps unravel the complexities of matter and chemical processes.