What term describes a molecule that is made up of more than one element?

A molecule composed of more than one element is termed a compound. Compounds are formed when two or more different elements chemically bond together, resulting in a substance with unique properties that differ from those of the individual elements. For example, water (H2O) is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen.

In contrast, a mixture consists of two or more substances that are combined physically but not chemically, meaning the individual components retain their original properties. An isotope refers specifically to variations of elements that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons; it does not pertain directly to the combination of multiple elements. A solution is a type of homogeneous mixture where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent), but again, it does not specifically describe a molecule made up of different elements. Thus, the term ‘compound’ is the correct terminology for molecules integrating more than one element.