Which term refers to a molecule made up of atoms from multiple elements?

Prepare for the DIVE Integrated Chemistry and Physics ICP Quarterly Exam 2. Enhance your understanding with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Be exam ready!

The term that refers to a molecule composed of atoms from multiple elements is "Polyatomic Molecule." This designation indicates that the molecule contains more than one atom and these atoms are from different elements. For instance, water (H2O) is a polyatomic molecule since it consists of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

In contrast, diatomic molecules are specifically made up of two atoms, which can either be of the same element or different elements but do not satisfy the condition of containing multiple different elements. Homonuclear molecules consist of two or more atoms of the same element, like O2 or N2, while heteronuclear molecules are those that contain atoms from two different elements, which may arise in the context of diatomic molecules. Choosing "Polyatomic Molecule" encompasses a broader range of multi-element molecules, solidifying its definition.

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