Differentiate among atoms, molecules, ions and give examples
Question
Differentiate among atoms, molecules, ions and give examples
Solution
Atoms, molecules, and ions are all basic units of matter, but they differ in their structure and properties.
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Atoms: An atom is the smallest unit of a chemical element that retains the properties of that element. It consists of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit the nucleus. For example, a hydrogen atom has one proton and one electron.
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Molecules: A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. Molecules can be made up of atoms of the same element or different elements. For example, a water molecule (H2O) consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
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Ions: An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, giving it a net positive or negative charge. For example, a sodium ion (Na+) has lost one electron, giving it a positive charge, while a chloride ion (Cl-) has gained one electron, giving it a negative charge.
In summary, atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, molecules are groups of atoms bonded together, and ions are atoms or molecules that have a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.
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