1) Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The atomic number is the number of protons, and the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that differ in their number of neutrons.
2) Molecules are two or more atoms bonded together, while ions are atoms or groups of atoms with a positive or negative charge. Polyatomic ions and molecules contain more than one atom.
3) Chemical formulas indicate the composition of substances. Molecular formulas show exact atom counts, empirical formulas are the simplest whole number ratios, and ionic formulas result in an overall neutral charge. Nomenclature provides systematic names for compounds.