Atom

Atom is the smallest particle which shows all the characteristic properties of an element.

Molecule

Atoms combine to form molecules.

Monoatomic Molecules

Molecules with only one atom are called monoatomic molecules. Eg: He

Diatomic Molecules

Molecules with two atoms are called diatomic molecules. Eg:H2

Polyatomic Molecules

Molecules with more than two atoms are called polyatomic molecules. Eg:P4

The subscript on the right side of the symbol indicates the number of atoms within one
molecule.
In a molecule the number given on left side of the symbol indicates the number of molecules.