Atoms and molecules
2 marks · HardGive one similarity and one difference between atoms and molecules.
State one way in which atoms and molecules are similar.
State one way in which atoms and molecules are different.
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(a) Both atoms and molecules are very small particles that make up substances.
(b) An atom is a single particle, but a molecule contains two or more atoms chemically bonded together.
Also accept: Both are particles; both make up substances; difference could be atoms are single, molecules are groups of atoms bonded.
Common mistakes: Giving differences for both answers; similarity that is too vague (e.g., 'both are things').
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Relevant similarity stated (e.g., both are building blocks of substances, both are particles).
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Relevant difference stated (must be about being single atom vs bonded group, not repeating similarity).
Worked solution
a) Both atoms and molecules are very small and make up all substances.
b) An atom is a single particle, while a molecule is formed from two or more atoms chemically bonded together.