Question

How are atoms and molecules related?

Answer 1

Hint In order to know how atoms and molecules are related, we must first see about the atoms and molecules separately and then see in what way they are related. The chemical bonds present in an atom will also help us to determine the relation between them.

Complete step by step solution:
Let us first understand about the atoms. Atoms are the smallest constituent of matter that will possess the characteristics properties of chemical elements. Atoms are said to be the building block of matter. Atoms cannot exist independently. They will form ions and molecules which will further combine to form matter that we can touch, feel and see. Atom is depicted by a circle shape in which the nucleus is at the center surrounded by the electrons revolving around them. The nucleus is composed of the protons and neutrons which are together called as the nucleons.

The group of atoms which are combined together to form a molecule. The molecule is formed by the chemical bonds between two atoms. Chemical bonds are said to be the force of attraction which exist between two atoms.

Chemical bonds can be further classified into following types:
- Covalent bond is a bond which is formed by the mutual sharing of the electrons between two atoms present in a molecule.
- Ionic bond is a bond which is formed between negatively and positive charged species. In this bond one atom will donate its electrons and the other will receive that donated electron.
- Hydrogen bond is a bond which is similar to the polar covalent bond which is formed between hydrogen and oxygen.
Therefore, the atoms will combine to form a molecule by these types of bonding.

Note: We have to remember that the protons, neutrons and electrons are the subatomic particles of an element. The protons or electrons present in an atom will give the atomic number of an element. The protons and neutrons together, present in an atom, will give the mass number of the element.