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Now that we know there are all sorts of atoms let's get down to some terminology. Here are a few words you need to be able to distinguish: atoms, elements, compounds, molecules. Related words: subatomic, particles.
Atom - single, smallest most functional unit of matter. Although atoms have pieces (called subatomic particles) thoes pieces don't really function on their own. They need each other. Atoms are so small we cannot see them with our eyes or with a true microscope.
Element(s) - these can be groups of the same atoms or also refer to a single atom. Element means the type of atom you are talking about. In case you are curious, there are about 118 of them (some stable, some not), and yes they are found on our beloved periodic table. Elements are represented on the periodic table with chemical Symbols. Examples O = oxygen , Kr = Krypton (that's right, there's such a thing as krypton!)
Compound - Two or more different atoms conjoined together. The link between them (what holds them together) is called a bond. Think of this as two separate types of atoms together, just like a compound word is two different words joined together. There is no limit to how many this number can be, it just has to be 2 or more.
Molecule - Molecules describe any conjoined atoms. They could all be the same type of atoms (an element) or two or more different types of atoms chemically joined together (a compound).
Ions are a special case - An ion is a charged particle (atom) and ions with different charges (either positive or negative) are attracted or repelled from each other. This allows you to see some pretty cool changes like flames or lightning!
Below is a visual Aid
Note: The different colors represent different elements.
Click Here for the tutorial on particulate nature of atoms (PBS interactive)!
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