Difference Wiki

Molecules vs. Compounds

Molecules and Compounds are both substances formed from the bond between the elements, but they carry one major difference along with them. Molecules are formed by the bond between atoms of the elements. On the other hand, compounds are formed when atoms of different elements combined together and establish a bond to give the result to a compound. The molecules may or may not contain atoms of various kinds but it mandatory for the compounds to contain different types of atoms; minimum two separate atoms of different elements.

Key Differences

Molecules may or may not be the results of the combination of the atoms from two different elements, but compounds are always formed when the atoms of different elements are bonded. Hence it is said that all compounds are molecular, but not all molecules are compounds.
Molecules of the same elements can be in any state, solid, liquid or gas. It can also vary in the weight and quantity, but a specific amount of two elements reacting together in a specific form will always give rise to a uniform type of compound.
A molecule can be very unstable in itself as it is just the combination of two atoms but a compound is very stable and has a physical form which is visible to the naked eyes.
The molecules are recognized by various factors like their arrangements, sizes and weights. But the compounds can simply be identified by their chemical formula, as that formula has the name of the elements taking part in the reaction and make the compound known.
Samantha Walker
Jun 08, 2018
A molecule is the smallest unit of any substance which is formed by the bonds between atoms whereas a compound is a complete unit resulting from the bonds between atoms of different elements.
Harlon Moss
Jun 08, 2018
The molecules carry no charge along with them and are electrically neutral. On the other hand, compounds are formed when two oppositely charged elements react with each other and are bonded by the covalent bond or the bond of sharing electrons.
Harlon Moss
Jun 08, 2018
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Further subdivision of a molecule is not possible as it will lead to the breaking of the molecules into their basic atomic structure but the compounds can be disintegrated into separate molecules.

Comparison Chart

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Molecules are formed by the strong bond between two or more interactive atoms.
Compounds are formed by the bond between two or more different atoms of different elements.

Relevance

Not all molecules are compounds.
All compounds can be taken up as molecules.

Structure

A molecule is just a group of atoms being tied by the strong force.
A compound is an actual matter in its complete shape.

Charge

A molecule has no electric charge in itself.
A compound may carry a positive or negative charge.
Aimie Carlson
Jun 08, 2018

Form

Molecules of the same element can exist in solid, liquid or gas form, with any size and weight.
The compounds of the two or more elements always give uniform results under similar internal and external conditions.
Aimie Carlson
Jun 08, 2018
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Molecules and Compounds Definitions

Molecules

The smallest particle of a substance that retains the chemical and physical properties of the substance and is composed of two or more atoms; a group of like or different atoms held together by chemical forces.

Compounds

To combine so as to form a whole; mix
Tin was often compounded with lead to make pewter.

Molecules

A small particle; a tiny bit.

Compounds

To produce or create by combining two or more ingredients or parts; compose or make up
Pharmacists compounding prescriptions.

Molecules

Plural of molecule

Compounds

To settle (a debt, for example) by agreeing on an amount less than the claim; adjust.
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Compounds

To compute (interest) on the principal and accrued interest.

Compounds

To add to or intensify so as to make worse
"The university authorities ... compounded their crime in dismissing [the professor] by denying that their action ... reflected any abridgment of academic freedom" (John Kenneth Galbraith).

Compounds

To make worse by being an additional or intensifying factor
High winds compounded the difficulties of the firefighters.

Compounds

To combine in or form a compound.

Compounds

To come to terms; agree.

Compounds

Consisting of two or more substances, ingredients, elements, or parts.

Compounds

(Botany) Composed of more than one part
A compound pistil.

Compounds

A combination of two or more elements or parts.

Compounds

(Linguistics) A word that consists either of two or more elements that are independent words, such as loudspeaker, self-portrait, or high school, or of specially modified combining forms of words, such as Greek philosophia, from philo-, "loving," and sophia, "wisdom."

Compounds

(Chemistry) A pure, macroscopically homogeneous substance consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means. A compound usually has properties unlike those of its constituent elements.

Compounds

A building or buildings, especially a residence or group of residences, set off and enclosed by a barrier.

Compounds

An enclosed area used for confining prisoners of war.

Compounds

Plural of compound

Compounds

Infl of compound

What are Molecules?

In a chemical element, a molecule is considered to be the smallest particle of the comprising elements, which carries a fundamental similarity in its properties with these elements. The molecules are made of the atoms being held together under strong chemical bonds. This bond can either be electrovalent, i.e. established by sharing of electrons or covalent bond, which is the exchange of electrons. The molecules are identified amongst ions by their neutral nature, which means that the molecules carry no positive or negative charge with them. They are simply formed by the reaction of two atoms. For example, N2 and H2 are molecules of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, respectively.

What are Compounds?

Compounds are those chemicals substances which have been formed by the chemical bond between atoms of different elements. These different atoms carry a specific charge, the positively charged atoms are electron deficient, and the negatively charged atoms are electron efficient. These two different atoms come together to get into the neutral state by being bonded together and producing a new compound altogether. For example, the hydrogen atoms carrying a plus charge, H+ and oxygen atoms carrying a negative charge, O2-, combine chemically with a proportionate weight and give rise to water or H2O. Hence, H2O is a compound as it is formed by the bond of the atoms of two different elements, hydrogen and oxygen.

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