Question

determine if the following is an element, molecule, compound, or both (molecule and compound)
cl₂
molecule
element
compound
both

Explanation:

An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom. A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. A compound is a substance made up of two or more different types of elements chemically combined. $Cl_2$ is composed of two chlorine atoms bonded together. Since it is made of only one type of element (chlorine), it is not a compound. But it is a molecule as it has two atoms bonded.

Answer:

A. Molecule