What is the Difference Between Particle and Molecule?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a particle and a molecule lies in their composition and structure.
- Particle: A particle is a general term referring to an object with a mass and a volume, having various physical properties. Particles can be atoms, molecules, or ions. In the context of atoms and molecules, particles can be:
- Atoms: Single neutral particles.
- Molecules: Neutral particles made of two or more atoms bonded together.
- Ions: Positively or negatively charged particles.
- Molecule: A molecule, on the other hand, is a specific type of particle made up of two or more atoms chemically bonded together. The atoms in a molecule are arranged in the most stable manner with specific bond angles and bond lengths to minimize repulsions and straining forces. Molecules can be further classified into:
- Diatomic molecules: Consisting of two atoms bonded together.
- Polyatomic molecules: Consisting of three or more atoms bonded together.
In summary, a particle is a general term for objects with mass and volume, while a molecule is a specific type of particle consisting of two or more atoms bonded together.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Particle and Molecule? Comparative Table: Particle vs Molecule
Comparative Table: Particle vs Molecule
Here is a table that highlights the differences between particles and molecules:
| Feature | Particle | Molecule |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A particle is a minute fragment or quantity of matter. | A molecule is a neutral particle made of two or more atoms bonded together. |
| Size | Particles can range from subatomic sizes (e.g., electrons, protons, and neutrons) to larger sizes, such as dust particles and grains of sand. | Molecules are generally larger than single atoms, with diameters ranging from 0.1 to 10 nanometers. |
| Composition | Particles can be atoms, molecules, or ions. | Molecules are composed of two or more atoms, which can be either of the same element or different elements. |
| Stability | Particles can be stable or unstable, depending on their composition and environment. | Molecules are generally stable when they are alone. |
| Reactivity | The reactivity of particles depends on their composition and the context in which they are found. | Molecules are generally less reactive than individual atoms. |
It is essential to note that particles can be atoms, molecules, or ions, and understanding the differences between these particle types is crucial for studying chemistry and related fields.
Read more:
- Molecule vs Atom
- Atom vs Molecule
- Element vs Molecule
- Molecule vs Mixture
- Atoms vs Particles
- Molecules vs Compounds
- Particle Model of Matter vs Kinetic Molecular Theory
- Quantum Physics vs Particle Physics
- Molecule of Element vs Molecule of Compound
- Atomic vs Molecular Elements
- Fundamental Particles vs Elementary Particles
- Cell vs Atom
- Molecule vs Lattice
- Molar Mass vs Molecular Mass
- Atomic Mass vs Molecular Weight
- Organic vs Inorganic Molecules
- Atomic Mass vs Molar Mass
- Mass vs Molar Mass
- Atom vs Compound