how are atoms, molecules,and elements differ
Molecules are often defined as the smallest part of a chemical compound formed from the bonding of atoms of different elements, but a molecule can also consist of a bond between the same type of atom, such as two hydrogen atoms bonding to form a hydrogen (H2) molecule.
Atoms are the foundation for molecules and one molecule can contain from two to as many as one hundred million atoms. There are over a hundred different kinds of atoms including carbon atoms. The number of electrons and protons in an atom are equal. The number of neutrons could be any number.
Elements come together to form compounds. Compounds are things like halite (a.k.a salt, made of sodium and chloride). Elements are simple and can not be simplified. Elements are made out of specific combinations of atoms. Elements are important because they form compounds that make humans, water, food, and other objects. They can be gases, solids, and liquids. Some are stable while others aren't.