Question

Both elements and compounds may be composed of molecules. Record one or more characteristics that explain when a molecule is the building block of elements and when a molecule is a building block of compounds. Use the terms atom(s), molecule(s), element(s), and compound(s) correctly in your explanation. Please help me explain....

Answer 1

An element contains molecules composed of same atoms while a compound contains molecules of different atoms

Please find the explanation to the question below

Step-by-step explanation:

A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound or element responsible for their chemical properties. It is a chemical combination of two or more atoms, which can be of the same or different elements.

Both elements and compounds are made up of molecules as rightly said in the question. However, they form in different ways. All compounds are made of molecules but not all molecules form compounds.

- When two or more of the atoms are chemically joined together by bonds, a molecule of that ELEMENT is formed. For example, a molecule of oxygen element (02) is formed when two oxygen atoms are joined together by chemical bonds.

- On the other hand, when two or more atoms of different elements are joined together by chemical bonds, a COMPOUND is formed. Hence, a compound is said to contain molecules of different elements or molecules of different atoms. For example, water molecule (H2O) is a compound because it contains the atoms of different elements (hydrogen and oxygen) joined together.