Monoatomic Molecule Vs Atom (1 Viewer)

[Lukybear]

Can someone please clarify the difference between to terms??

Since monoatomic molecule is "single atom" why dont we just called it an atom?

 

[micuzzo]

Can someone please clarify the difference between to terms??

Since monoatomic molecule is "single atom" why dont we just called it an atom?

its so u can differentiate between diatomic molecules such as O2... (ie oxygen is mostly found as a molecule of O2 so u call it diatomic...but other chemicals that may exist as a diatomic that aren't will be called monoatomic molecules)

... think thats right,,, i cant remember yr11 chem lol

 

[Lukybear]

Thanks, it just so confussing, why cant you just called it an atom, cause thats basically what it is.

 

[hermand]

because it can be a molecule within itself. it's basically just a different name for the same thing. depends on context i guess.

EDIT; because an atom isn't necessarily a monatomic molecule, but a monatomic molecule is always an atom. kind of like the rectangle-square thing.

 

[Lukybear]

in what case is an atom not a monatomic molecule??

its really confussing.

 

[LordPc]

the O in h20