What is defined as a chemical bonding of atoms that possesses its own characteristics independent of the atoms themselves?

A molecule is formed when two or more atoms bond together chemically, resulting in a new entity that has distinct properties from the individual atoms that make it up. This bonding occurs through various types of interactions, such as covalent bonding, where atoms share electrons, or ionic bonding, where electrons are transferred. Thus, the characteristics of a molecule arise from the specific arrangement and types of atoms within it, leading to properties that are unique and often different from those of the individual elements.

For example, water (H2O) is a molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and its properties—such as being a liquid at room temperature and having a high specific heat—are not traits of hydrogen or oxygen alone. Instead, they emerge from the interactions and bonding between these specific atoms.

In contrast, an atom is the basic unit of matter and retains the properties of the element itself. A compound refers to a molecule that contains at least two different types of atoms bonded together but does not specifically emphasize the independent characteristics of the molecule as a unit. An element is a pure substance made up of only one type of atom and does not represent the concept of combination that results in new characteristics. Therefore, the definition of a molecule aligns perfectly with