Distinguish between the following terms. a. molecule versus ion b. covalent bonding versus ionic bonding c. molecule versus compound d. anion versus cation

a. A molecule is a group of two or more atoms joined together by covalent bonds and is electrically neutral, while an ion is an atom or group of atoms with a net electrical charge due to the gain or loss of electrons. b. Covalent bonding involves atoms sharing electrons with each other, typically between non-metal atoms, whereas ionic bonding involves atoms transferring electrons, creating charged particles (ions) that are held together by electrostatic forces and generally occurs between a metal and a non-metal atom. c. A molecule consists of two or more atoms bonded together, while a compound is formed when two or more elements are chemically combined in a fixed proportion. All compounds are molecules, but not all molecules are compounds. d. An anion is an ion with a negative charge formed when atoms gain electrons, while a cation is an ion with a positive charge formed when atoms lose electrons. Anions and cations are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges, leading to the formation of ionic bonds.