Molecules and compounds are two important terms in chemistry. Molecules are the smallest particle of a compound that has the chemical properties of that compound. Compounds, on the other hand, are substances made up of two or more different atoms bonded together. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between molecules and compounds in more detail and discuss some examples of each. Stay tuned!
What is Molecule?
Molecule is the smallest particle of an element or compound that has the chemical properties of that element or compound. A molecule is made up of atoms, and they are held together by forces called chemical bonds. Molecules can be very simple, like water (H2O), or very complex, like proteins. Molecules can be found in all kinds of substances, including solids, liquids, and gases. In some cases, molecules can be so small that they can only be seen with a microscope. Molecules are constantly in motion, and they collide with other molecules all the time. The way molecules move and interact with each other determines the properties of a substance. For example, the way water molecules interact with each other is what makes water wet. Molecules are always changing and breaking apart, but they can also join together to form new substances.
What is Compound?
A compound is an atom that contains more than one element. The elements are held together by chemical bonds, which can be either ionic or covalent. Compound atoms are much more stable than individual atoms, and they are able to interact with other atoms to form molecules. Compound atoms are the building blocks of all matter, and they are essential for life as we know it.
Difference between Molecules and Compounds
Molecules and compounds are both composed of atoms, but the key difference between them is that molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces, while compounds are held together by strong intramolecular forces. As a result, molecules can be easily separated into their component atoms, while compounds cannot. Molecules can be either organic or inorganic, while all compounds are inorganic. Another difference between molecules and compounds is that molecules can be either polar or nonpolar, while all compounds are ionic. Finally, molecules can exist as solids, liquids, or gases, while all compounds are solids. Consequently, the main difference between molecules and compounds is the type of forces that hold them together.
Conclusion
In order to understand the difference between molecules and compounds, let’s take a look at an example. When you combine salt and water, the result is a compound called sodium chloride. The individual atoms of sodium and chlorine remain intact and can be separated again. However, when sugar and water are combined, the result is a molecule called sucrose. The atoms within the sugar molecule cannot be separated without destroying the molecule itself. This is why we say that molecules are held together by covalent bonds- because it takes energy to break them apart. Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together chemically. Compounds are substances made up of molecules.
