How can there be more than 100 different atoms when there are only about 100 different elements?

Answer 1

There cannot be more than 100 different atoms. I think you are confusing atoms and molecules. There are millions upon millions of different molecules because molecules are combinations of the 100 atoms. These combinations can be any number of the same atoms or of different atoms in different combinations.

For example, the so-called hydrocarbons. These are different combinations of hydrogen and carbon:

1 carbon atom combined with 4 hydrogen atoms: methane, same as the natural gas used in cooking and heating some homes.

2 carbon atoms combined with 6 hydrogan atoms: ethane, similar to rubbing alcohol

8 carbon atoms combined with 18 hyrogen atoms: octane, the main ingredient in gasoline you put in your car.

So while there are only about 100 different atoms, these can be combined into limitless combinations with other atoms into a limitless number of different molecules.

Answer 2

Atoms can have different numbers of neutrons, which results in isotopes of the same element. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons, but different numbers of neutrons. This leads to variations in Atomic Mass and overall properties.

Answer 3

My guess is that there are isotopes and ions of each element that count as different atoms.

Answer 4

So many different combinations of atoms and different types of bonds.

Answer 5

There are billions upon billions of each element

Answer 6

Yes there are. Atoms are also known as elements.

Answer 7

element