Molecules and Atoms: Which One Is More Massive?

Which is more massive: an atom, a molecule, an isotope, or an ion? (a) Atom or Molecule: From these choices, the more massive one will have to be the molecule. This is because a molecule is composed of two or more atoms making it weigh more. (b) Isotope or Ion: For these choices, the more massive element would be the isotope. This is because an isotope will have more neutrons than the compound, while an ion will only have additional or lacking electrons. An electron is much lighter than neutrons.

Molecule vs. Atom:

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms bonded together. When atoms combine to form a molecule, they create a new substance with its own unique properties. The combined mass of the atoms in a molecule is typically greater than the mass of an individual atom. This is why a molecule is more massive than an atom.

Isotope vs. Ion:

An isotope is a variant of a particular chemical element which differs in neutron number. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Since neutrons have more mass than electrons, an isotope will be more massive than an ion.

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, giving it a positive or negative charge. The mass of an ion does not change significantly compared to the neutral atom because electrons have very little mass compared to protons and neutrons.

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