Compound vs Molecule — Difference (with Table & FAQs)
Compound vs Molecule compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table, 4 key points and 3 exam FAQs. Class 9-10 Chemistry, free and no sign-up.
TL;DR: Compound vs Molecule compared side by side — a 5-row comparison table, 4 key points and 3 exam FAQs. Class 9-10 Chemistry, free and no sign-up.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
The main difference between Compound and Molecule: A compound is a substance made of two or more elements chemically bonded while a molecule is a group of bonded atoms. Both are essential in CBSE chemistry.
Compound vs Molecule — Comparison Table
| Basis | Compound | Molecule |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Substance with two or more elements | Group of atoms bonded together |
| Elements | Must contain two or more | Can contain one or more |
| Examples | Water, salt, sugar | O2, H2O, N2 |
| Bonding | Chemical bonds between elements | Can be covalent or ionic |
| Property | Different from component elements | Properties depend on composition |
Key Points
- All compounds are molecules but not all molecules are compounds
- Molecules can be elements like O2 or compounds like H2O
- Compounds have fixed ratios of elements
- Molecules represent the smallest unit of a substance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a compound and a molecule?
A molecule is the smallest particle of a substance that can exist independently, made of two or more atoms joined together. A compound is a substance whose molecules contain atoms of more than one element chemically combined in a fixed ratio.
Is every molecule a compound?
No. A molecule of oxygen contains two oxygen atoms — it is a molecule but not a compound, because only one element is present. A molecule of water contains hydrogen and oxygen, so it is both a molecule and a compound.
Can a compound be separated by physical means?
No. The elements in a compound are chemically bonded in a fixed ratio, so only a chemical reaction can separate them. A mixture, by contrast, can be separated physically by methods such as filtration or evaporation.