Clearly Explained Differences Between Molecule and Compound
Atoms combine to form molecules and compounds, which make up everything around us. Although often confused, molecules and compounds are different terms: Understanding the clear difference between molecule and compound helps grasp basic chemistry concepts.
What is a Molecule?
A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. These atoms can be from the same or different elements.
Examples of Molecules:
Oxygen gas (O₂)
Nitrogen gas (N₂)
Water (H₂O)
What is a Compound?
A compound is formed when two or more different elements combine chemically. All compounds are molecules, but not all molecules are compounds.
Common Examples:
Salt (NaCl)
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆)
Table of Differences – Molecule vs Compound
Feature | Molecule | Compound |
Definition | Two or more atoms chemically bonded. | Two or more different elements chemically combined. |
Elements involved | Same or different elements | Always different elements |
Relation | All molecules are not compounds | All compounds are molecules |
Example | O₂, N₂, H₂ (same element atoms possible) | NaCl, H₂O, CO₂ (always different elements) |
Types | Diatomic, triatomic, polyatomic | Organic, inorganic |
Composition | Same or different elements | Always different elements |
Chemical Representation | Molecular formula (H₂, O₂) | Chemical formula (H₂O, CO₂) |
Stability | Varies, can exist independently | Usually stable compounds |
Nature | Can be the same or different elements | Always composed of different elements |
Examples | O₂, N₂, Cl₂, H₂ | Water (H₂O), Carbon dioxide (CO₂) |
Relationship | All compounds are molecules | Not all molecules are compounds |
Essential Study Materials for NEET UG 2025
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FAQs on Difference Between Molecule and Compound | NEET
1. What is the difference between molecule and compound?
A molecule is formed when two or more atoms chemically bond, and these atoms can be from the same or different elements. A compound specifically consists of two or more different elements bonded chemically.
2. Is H₂O a molecule or a compound?
H₂O (water) is both a molecule and a compound, as it contains two different elements (hydrogen and oxygen) chemically bonded together.
3. Is CO₂ a molecule or a compound?
CO₂ (carbon dioxide) is both a molecule and a compound because it has two different elements (carbon and oxygen) chemically bonded.
4. Why are all molecules not compounds?
Because molecules can also consist of atoms of the same element (like O₂), they are not always compounds. Compounds must always contain different elements.
5. Is salt (NaCl) a compound or molecule?
Salt (NaCl) is a compound because it contains two different elements (sodium and chlorine) chemically bonded. However, it is not usually described as a molecule since it forms an ionic crystal structure rather than discrete molecules.
6. What is an example of a molecule or compound?
Molecule: Oxygen gas (O₂), hydrogen gas (H₂)
Compound: Water (H₂O), Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Salt (NaCl)
7. What is water?
Water (H₂O) is both a molecule and a compound, consisting of two hydrogen atoms chemically bonded to one oxygen atom.
8. Is C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) a molecule?
Yes, C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) is a molecule and also a compound because it consists of three different elements (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) bonded chemically.
9. Is O₂ a molecule or compound?
O₂ is a molecule, but not a compound. It has two atoms of the same element (oxygen) bonded together.
10. Is NaCl a molecule?
NaCl (table salt) is typically considered a compound, but not a molecule because it forms a crystal lattice structure (ionic bonding), rather than discrete molecules.
11. Is CH₄ (methane) a molecule?
Yes, CH₄ (methane) is a molecule and also a compound, as it contains different elements (carbon and hydrogen).
12. Is CCl₄ ionic or covalent?
CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride) is covalent, meaning the atoms share electrons, rather than forming ionic bonds.
13. How to identify molecule or compound?
Molecule: Look for two or more atoms chemically bonded, can be same or different elements (e.g., O₂, H₂O).
Compound: Must contain at least two different elements chemically bonded (e.g., H₂O, CO₂, NaCl).
