At the atomic level, is there any difference between organic and inorganic matter?
No. At the atomic level, there are only protons, neutrons, and electrons. Different proportions of these three components make different types of atoms or elements as defined by the periodic table ( http://www.molres.org/images/PeriodicTable.gif ). For example, a hydrogen atom, being the lightest element, contains one proton and one neutron. There are lower levels of sub-atomic particles that protons, neutrons, and electrons are made of. At the next higher level, molecules are made by connecting different atoms together via chemical bonds. For example, a single water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Now, “organic” is a classification at the molecular level. To be defined as organic, a molecule must contain one or more carbon atoms and one or more hydrogen atoms. Laymen sometimes confuse the term “organic chemistry” with life. While life as we know it relies on organic chemistry, organic chemistry does not necessarily mean life. Here are some good resources for
[Edited for clarity (and out of a certain sense of frustration)] Yes, you can differentiate between inorganic and organic matter, but not below the molecular level. Inorganic matter may be composed of any pure element or compounds formed from different elements. Organic life, on the other hand, is based on a small number of elements, primarily hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus. Simple organic compounds are based on carbon and these go on to form more complex molecules (e.g., DNA). Complex organic molecules and water are the stuff of life, to borrow a hackneyed phrase. While carbon exists in its pure form as an inorganic substance (e.g., diamond, graphite), it is the fundamental building block of organic compounds. The constituents of organic matter are what separates it from inorganic matter.
