Final answer:
O₂, N₂, F₂, and Cl₂ are all molecular compounds as they consist of identical non-metal atoms forming diatomic molecules with covalent bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
To classify the compounds O₂, N₂, F₂, and Cl₂ as ionic or molecular, we need to understand the nature of the bonds between the atoms comprising these compounds. Each of these compounds is a diatomic molecule, meaning they are composed of two atoms of the same element. This implies that the bonding between the atoms is covalent, as the electrons are shared equally between the atoms due to their identical electronegativity. None of these compounds contains a metal atom; therefore, none form the metal cations and non-metal anions characteristic of ionic compounds.
In summary, O₂, N₂, F₂, and Cl₂ are all examples of molecular compounds because they consist of non-metal atoms sharing electrons between them, indicative of covalent bonding. These substances typically exist as discrete molecules rather than the extended lattice structures seen in ionic compounds.