Final answer:
When molecules break apart, they go into individual atoms. If the breakdown continues at the atomic level, subatomic particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons are released.
Step-by-step explanation:
When molecules break apart, they go into individual atoms. Molecules, such as a water molecule (H2O), consist of atoms bonded together. If the bonds between these atoms are broken, the molecule ceases to exist as a single entity and rather exists as separate atoms of hydrogen and oxygen in this example. Furthermore, the break up of atoms themselves will lead to the release of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Thus, the products of a molecule breaking apart are dependent on the level of breakdown that occurs. When only the molecular bonds are broken, the result is individual atoms. When an atom's nucleus breaks apart, this results in the release of subatomic particles like protons and neutrons.