What is formed when atoms bond together?

When atoms bond together, they form a molecule. A molecule is defined as two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together, which can either be of the same element or different elements. This bonding can occur through various types of interactions, such as covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, or ionic bonds, where atoms transfer electrons.

Molecules can consist of a single type of atom, like O₂ (oxygen gas) where two oxygen atoms bond to form a diatomic molecule. However, they can also consist of multiple types of atoms, such as H₂O (water), which includes both hydrogen and oxygen. This characteristic of molecules is vital in biological systems, as most biological structures and functions depend on molecular interactions.

In contrast, an element refers to a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances and consists of only one type of atom. A compound, while related, is more specific in that it involves two or more different elements bonded together in fixed proportions. An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, giving it a net charge, and is not a direct result of atom bonding in the context of forming molecules.

Therefore, the proper choice to describe what is formed when atoms bond together