Atoms, Elements, Compounds, & Molecules

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What is an atom?

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An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

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What is an element?

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An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Each element is made up of atoms that have the same number of protons.

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What is a compound?

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A compound is a substance formed when two or more different elements chemically bond together in fixed proportions.

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What is a molecule?

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A molecule is the smallest unit of a chemical compound that retains its chemical properties. It consists of two or more atoms bonded together.

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What is the difference between an element and a compound?

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An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together.

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What are the three subatomic particles of an atom?

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The three subatomic particles are protons (positively charged), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (negatively charged).

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What is the atomic number?

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The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

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What is a chemical bond?

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A chemical bond is the force that holds atoms together in a compound. The main types of chemical bonds are ionic bonds and covalent bonds.

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What is an ionic bond?

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An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond formed when one atom transfers electrons to another atom, resulting in the formation of charged ions.

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What is a covalent bond?

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A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

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