If two or more atoms of the same element combine together they form a molecule. The atoms may or may not be stable and exist independently while the molecules are stable and can exist independently. This is because, other than the noble gases, the valence shell does not have fulfilled electrons.

Is it true that molecules can exist independently?

Atoms can not exist independently. ... A molecule is formed by combining two or more than two atoms. These atoms can be the same or different. When all the atoms of a molecule are the same then it is called a homonuclear molecule and when all are different atoms then it is called heteronuclear molecule.

Can a molecule exist by itself?

The definition of a molecule is the smallest amount of something, particularly of a chemical substance, that can exist on its own. An example of a molecule are two atoms of hydrogen.