How are atoms, molecules, and compounds related?

Question

Serenity Allen · Accepted Answer

They are related in ways that they make up all sorts of matter.

Atoms most simply make up elements. A pure element will contain an atom of a single type, e.g: A pure piece of gold will contain only gold atoms, therefore it's chemically pure. A molecule is two of the same atoms joined together chemically, most usually through covalent bonds. The halogens typically exist as diatomic molecules, e.g Chlorine goes around as #Cl2#. A compound is different types of elements chemically joined together. This is typically seen through ionic compounds that are joined through ionic bonds. Please note that a mixture and compound are not the same thing! Remember, a mixture is not chemically joined together.

Wyatt Adkins · Answer

undefined Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They combine to form molecules, which are groups of atoms held together by chemical bonds. Compounds, on the other hand, are substances composed of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together. In summary, molecules are formed when atoms bond, and compounds are specific types of molecules that consist of atoms of different elements bonded together.