CO2, also known as carbon dioxide, is considered both a molecule and a compound. Let’s break down why this is the case.
A molecule is formed when two or more atoms join together chemically. In the case of CO2, one carbon atom bonds with two oxygen atoms, forming a molecule.
On the other hand, a compound is a substance formed when two or more different types of atoms bond together. Since CO2 consists of carbon and oxygen, which are different elements, it is also classified as a compound.
In summary, CO2 is both a molecule and a compound because it is made up of multiple atoms (making it a molecule) and those atoms are of different elements (making it a compound).