Question

Explain the following statement: The smallest particles unique to a compound cannot be atoms.

Short answer

The smallest particles unique to a compound are molecules, not atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Definition of a Compound

A compound is a substance composed of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together. For instance, water (H₂O) is a compound formed by hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Recognize the Difference Between Atoms and Molecules

An atom is the smallest unit of an element that maintains the properties of that element. A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of the compound. Molecules consist of two or more atoms bonded together.

Identify the Smallest Particles Unique to a Compound

Since a compound is made up of two or more different types of atoms bonded together, the smallest particles that are unique to a compound are molecules, not single atoms. For example, a molecule of water (H₂O) is unique to the compound water; individual H or O atoms are not.

Key concepts

Definition of a compound

Let's explore what a compound really is.

A compound is a substance formed when two or more different types of atoms bond chemically. Each compound has a unique combination of atoms, giving it specific properties. For instance, water (H₂O) is a compound created from hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The formula H₂O tells us that two hydrogen atoms bond with one oxygen atom to form water. These atoms are always combined in a fixed ratio.
Understanding compounds is essential because they make up most of the substances we encounter daily, from the water we drink to the air we breathe. So, whenever you see a chemical formula like NaCl for table salt, remember it's representing a compound formed by specific atoms joining together.

Difference between atoms and molecules

To understand compounds better, we need to distinguish between atoms and molecules.

An atom is the basic unit of an element, like hydrogen (H) or oxygen (O). Atoms are like single building blocks. Each atom has its own unique properties, like the number of protons in its nucleus.
A molecule, on the other hand, is formed when two or more atoms join together. It's the smallest unit of a compound that still has all the properties of that compound. For example, a water molecule (H₂O) is made from two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Key differences include:

• Atoms: Single units of elements
• Molecules: Combinations of two or more atoms bonded together

So, when we talk about compounds like water, we are referring to molecules made up of more than one kind of atom.

Smallest particles in compounds

We've talked about compounds and the difference between atoms and molecules. Now, let's focus on the smallest unique particles in compounds.

Because compounds are formed by two or more types of atoms bonded together, the smallest particle unique to a compound isn't a single atom. Instead, it's a molecule.
Single atoms can't represent the unique properties of a compound. For example, individual hydrogen (H) or oxygen (O) atoms cannot exhibit the same properties as a water molecule (H₂O). The properties specific to water are due to the combination of these atoms in a fixed ratio.
In summary, molecules, not single atoms, are the smallest particles that make a compound unique. This fundamental concept helps us understand why compounds behave the way they do and allows us to predict their properties based on their molecular structure.