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Atoms are small indivisible particles that combine together to make up a molecule but if similar molecules combine it forms elements. Whereas elements, on the other hand, combine together to form molecules. Elements have mass, whereas atoms are very small. Before learning about the difference between atoms and matter, let us study in detail about atoms and molecules. Read on to know more about what happens when a substance is cut indefinitely into smaller pieces.
Atoms
Atoms are the minor units that make up every existing matter. Protons, electrons, and neutrons are the subatomic particles present in an atom. Matter exists in four states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Plasma is made up of ionised atoms.
Every atom has a nucleus and some number of electrons revolving around that depending on the type of the atom. The nucleus consists of protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged particles, and neutrons are neutrally charged. This makes the nucleus positively charged as a whole.
Electrons are negatively charged particles. They revolve around the nucleus because of the attraction between oppositely charged particles. When the number of electrons and protons in an atom do not match, then the atom possesses some charge and is called an ion. If the number of protons is higher, then the atom is said to be positively charged and vice versa.
The characteristics of the matter depend on the type of atoms present in the matter. Strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons together inside the nucleus of an atom. Atoms hold on to each other by different bonds such as covalent or ionic to form matter. Every atom is classified based on atomic number, which is the sum of the number of electrons and neutrons present in an atom.
The mass of an atom is called atomic mass. Atomic mass is calculated using the number of protons and neutrons in an atom. Most of the mass of an atom comes from the protons and neutrons present in it. Atoms can form compounds by combining with other atoms in whole numbers. A group of atoms is also called molecules.
When a chemical reaction occurs, the rearrangement of atoms takes place. Various theories have been proposed by scientists regarding the structure of an atom. Mole is the unit used to measure the number of atoms present.
Elements
Any substance in which only one type of atom is present is called an element. All the atoms in an element consist of the same number of protons in their nuclei. Most of the elements occur naturally in the earth in a combined state with other elements. Only a few elements appear in their pure form. Elements with the same atomic number but differ in the numbers of neutrons present in them are called isotopes.
The phenomenon in which atoms of the same elements combine with each other in different chemical structures to form different compounds is called allotropy. Elements are further classified into metals, non-metals, and metalloids.
Elements can be divided into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processes. Some elements are found on earth in abundance, whereas only traces of some can be found. Some elements do not occur naturally and are man made. Some elements possess radioactive nature which emits electromagnetic particles.
Elements and Atoms: Difference
Elements | Atoms |
It is the simplest form of a substance. It cannot be broken down or further divided | Atoms are the simplest form that makes up existing matter |
Elements are bigger, heavier, and have mass | They are tiny particles that cannot be seen even with a microscope |
Every element is composed of only one atom | Atoms are further divided into electrons, protons, and neutrons |
118 elements are present | 92 atoms are present in nature |
Element term is often used when studying the periodic table | It is more studied in physics, while in chemistry they are referred to find atomic number or mass |
Elements combine together to form a molecule | Atoms combine together to form molecules, but if the atoms of similar elements are combined it forms atoms |
Conclusion
Atoms and elements make up every substance that is present in or out of the universe. Earlier atoms are said to be the smallest of all substances present. With technology advancements, it was found that an atom has subatomic particles named electron, proton, and neutron. With the further development of technology, many mysteries around atoms can be revealed.
