Compounds vs Molecules

Words! Words! Words!  Can't we just keep things simple.  I'm going to let you in on a little secret...chemistry, atoms, molecules will never be simple! 

So what is the difference between a molecule and a compound?  Wait?  What's a compound have to do with molecules?  

A compound is something that is made of two or more separate things...like a mixture.  A salad. A pizza.  A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Not all molecules are compounds.  Examples of molecules would be oxygen, O2, or nitrogen N2.  

Water is a type of molecule that is made up of two different atoms, hydrogen and oxygen.  Technically this is a compound.  Another compound is salt:  NaCl.  It's made of sodium and chlorine.

So molecules are two or more combined elements that are the same, and compounds are just more fun!  They are made up of different elements that create much delight and enjoyment in our world.  

All COMPOUNDS are molecules...but not all MOLECULES are COMPOUNDS.