Difference between Molecule and Compound

Molecule and compound are two terms that are commonly used in chemistry. Although they are used interchangeably sometimes, they have different meanings and characteristics. Here are the three main differences between molecule and compound:

1. Composition
A molecule is composed of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together. These atoms can be of the same element or different elements. For example, oxygen gas (O2) is a molecule composed of two oxygen atoms, while water (H2O) is a molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

On the other hand, a compound is a substance that is composed of two or more different elements that are chemically combined in a fixed ratio. Compounds are formed when atoms of different elements share electrons to form chemical bonds. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) is a compound composed of sodium and chlorine atoms in a fixed ratio of 1:1.

2. Properties
Molecules have characteristic physical and chemical properties that are different from their constituent atoms. For example, water is a liquid at room temperature, whereas its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen, are gases. Molecules also have unique chemical properties that are determined by their molecular structure and the types of atoms that are present.

Compounds, on the other hand, have their own unique set of physical and chemical properties that are different from their constituent elements. For example, sodium chloride is a crystalline solid at room temperature, whereas sodium and chlorine are both gases. Compounds also have their own unique chemical properties that are determined by the types of atoms that are present and the way they are bonded together.

3. Naming
Molecules are named based on the number and types of atoms that are present. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a molecule composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Molecules can also be named based on their molecular structure, such as methane (CH4) which has a tetrahedral shape.

Compounds, on the other hand, are named based on the elements that are present and the way they are bonded together. For example, sodium chloride is a compound composed of sodium and chlorine atoms that are bonded together in an ionic lattice. Compounds can also be named based on their molecular formula, such as H2SO4 which is commonly known as sulfuric acid.

Conclusion
In conclusion, molecules and compounds are both important concepts in chemistry, but they have different meanings and characteristics. Molecules are composed of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together, while compounds are composed of two or more different elements that are chemically combined in a fixed ratio. Molecules have unique physical and chemical properties that are determined by their molecular structure and the types of atoms that are present, while compounds have their own unique set of physical and chemical properties that are different from their constituent elements. Finally, molecules are named based on the number and types of atoms that are present or their molecular structure, while compounds are named based on the elements that are present and the way they are bonded together or their molecular formula.

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