What is the difference between atom and element

The nucleus in the center is surrounded by clouds of electrons. These electrons are negatively-charged particles of an atom. However, Hydrogen is an exception as it is a form of nuclide that stays stable even without a single neutron. When atoms bind or combine together through chemical reactions, they together form molecules.

However, if like same, without chemical reactions atoms combine, they form elements. Therefore, technically, elements are composed of molecules. Now, in terms of elements, they combine to form chemical compounds that can be divided into several classifications. These are oxides, hydrides, molecular compounds, salts and others. When the elements combine together, the electrons in the atom stay bonded and does the same functionality as before the combination occurred.

Both metals and non-metals combine with each to form ionic bonds. Taking a Closer Look. A mixture is a substance made by combining two or more different materials in such a way that no chemical reaction occurs. A mixture can usually be separated back into its original components. What is the difference between a compound and a molecule? I am not clear on what a molecule is. If water is a molecule, is it also a compound because the hydrogen and oxygen have been chemically combined?

If so If you have steel as an element, it means that it should only consist of steel atoms. So, in essence, an atom is the smallest amount of an element. When atoms combine or bind together via a chemical means, they form molecules. When only like atoms combine, they form elements, so technically, elements can be composed of molecules.

An atom can be considered as the smallest amount of an element. It is the simplest unit of matter, and has a closely packed nucleus in its center. Surrounding the nucleus is a cloud of electrons, which are the negatively-charged particles of an atom. In the nucleus of the atom, a mix of electrically neutral neutrons and positively-charged protons converge. There is, however, an exception. Electrons float around the nucleus, but are bound by a force, and when these atoms bind themselves with other atoms, a molecule is formed.

Electrically neutral atoms contain equal numbers of electrons and protons. An atom with a charge — which is either negative it has an extra electron or positive it has an extra proton — is called an ion. It is actually a table of different kinds of atoms based on their characteristics, such as the number of sub-atomic particles, and atomic weight.

What is the difference between a compound and a molecule? What is the simplest way of explaining what atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures are? Questions and Answers many elements are there? Citation and linking information For questions about this page, please contact Steve Gagnon. Jefferson Lab Resources. Department of Energy.