What is defined as a group of atoms bonded together?

The definition of a molecule is specifically a group of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together. This bonding can occur through covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, leading to the formation of a stable structure. Molecules can consist of atoms of the same element, such as oxygen (O2), or different elements, like water (H2O).

In contrast, an atom is the smallest unit of an element and cannot be broken down further without losing its chemical properties. An ion refers to an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge. A compound is formed when two or more different types of elements bond together, which may or may not exist at the molecular level, but it specifically refers to the end result of such bonding between different atoms.

This understanding clarifies why the term "molecule" accurately describes a group of atoms that are bonded together, highlighting its fundamental role in the structure of matter.