* Elements are the fundamental building blocks of matter. Oxygen (O) is one of those building blocks. It cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical means.
* Elements are defined by their atomic number. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, meaning each oxygen atom has 8 protons in its nucleus. This is what makes it unique and distinguishes it from other elements.
* The molecular state is a result of chemical bonding. Oxygen atoms bond together to form diatomic molecules (O₂) for stability. This bonding doesn't change the fundamental nature of oxygen as an element.
Think of it like this: A Lego brick is an individual element, but you can build more complex structures by connecting several bricks together. The structure is made of multiple bricks, but the individual bricks remain the same fundamental building blocks. Similarly, oxygen molecules are made of two oxygen atoms, but the atoms themselves are still the element oxygen.
