Difference between Molecule and Compound

A molecule is a collection of atoms bonded together, where the bonding can be covalent and involves atoms of the same or different elements. Examples include O2 or H2. On the other hand, an ion compound, also known as an ionic compound, results from the combination of positively and negatively charged ions through ionic bonds. A classic example is NaCl (sodium chloride or table salt), where sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions are held together by electrostatic forces.

Yes, a molecule can be a compound. Molecules become compounds when they consist of atoms of different elements bonded together. For instance, H2O (water) is both a molecule and a compound since it involves covalent bonding between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, forming a distinct chemical entity.

O3, or ozone, is considered a molecule because it comprises three oxygen atoms bonded covalently. However, it is not a compound because all the atoms within O3 are of the same element, oxygen. Compounds involve the chemical bonding of different elements.

CO2 (carbon dioxide) is both a molecule and a compound. It is a molecule as it consists of three atoms (carbon and two oxygen), bonded covalently. Additionally, it is a compound since it involves different elements (carbon and oxygen) chemically bonded together.

The fundamental difference lies in the bonding nature and composition. A molecule forms through covalent bonds, with atoms being of the same or different elements. In contrast, an ion compound arises from ionic bonds between positively and negatively charged ions. Ion compounds often involve different elements, leading to the formation of distinctive compounds held together by electrostatic forces.