Question
What is the difference between a molecule of an element and a molecule of a compound ? Give an example of each.

Answer

The molecules of an element are made up of the same type of atoms. Examples $:$
$1.$ molecules $(He),$ argon $(Ar),$ etc are made up of only one atom of that element.
$2.$ molecules of oxygen, are made up of two oxygen atoms combined together.
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Depending on the atomicity, molecules of an element can be monoatomic $($helium $= He),$ diatomic $($oxygen $= O_2),$ triatomic $($ozone $= O_2)$ or polyatomic $($phosphorous $= P_4)$.
The molecules of a compound are made up of atoms of different elements combined together in a definite proportion.
Examples $:$
$1.$ Water $(H_2O)$ represent a molecule of the compound water in which two atoms of hydrogen combine with one atom of oxygen.
$2.$ Hydrogen chloride $(HCl)$ is a molecule of compound having one atom of hydrogen and one of chlorine.

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