Final answer:
Molecular compounds are composed of molecules formed by covalent bonding between nonmetallic elements. They are named with prefixes to indicate the number of atoms present, and can take various physical forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Molecular compounds result from covalent bonding which are called molecules. In a covalent compound, atoms of the different elements are held together by covalent bonds, which involve the sharing of valence electrons. This bonding contrasts with ionic bonding, where electrons are transferred between atoms, resulting in the formation of ions. Molecular compounds typically consist of two or more nonmetallic elements and can exist in various physical states such as gases, low-boiling liquids, and low-melting solids under normal conditions. To name these compounds, prefixes are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element present in the molecule, as the combination ratios can vary significantly.