Here's why:
* Compounds: Compounds are formed by the chemical combination of two or more different elements. A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of that compound. For example, a water molecule (H₂O) is the smallest unit of water that exhibits the properties of water.
* Diatomic Gases: Diatomic gases are elements that exist naturally as two atoms bonded together. Examples include oxygen (O₂), nitrogen (N₂), hydrogen (H₂), and chlorine (Cl₂). A molecule is the smallest unit of these gases that retains the properties of that element.
Key Point: A molecule is the smallest unit of a substance that can exist independently and still retain the chemical properties of that substance.
