Final answer:
Diatomic molecules consist of two atoms of the same element bonded together, while polyatomic molecules consist of more than two atoms. Examples of diatomic molecules include oxygen and hydrogen, while examples of polyatomic molecules include carbon dioxide and ammonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diatomic molecules are molecules made up of two atoms of the same element bonded together. Examples of diatomic molecules include oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), and fluorine (F2). Polyatomic molecules, on the other hand, consist of more than two atoms. Examples of polyatomic molecules are carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ammonia (NH3).