> Wikipedia defines a molecule as "the smallest particle in a chemical element or compound that has the chemical properties of that element or compound" which means that atomic helium is a molecule.
No it doesn't; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecule cites that as an earlier, less precise definition than the one that's commonly used today. The definition right at the top of the page is quite clear that by the usual definition, a single atom by itself does not constitute a molecule.
> The purpose of [citation needed] is not to take the wind out of your statement but to force you to provide the necessary evidence to back up your assertion.
In polite discussions, attempting to "force" your conversational partner to do anything is kind of discourteous. If you're honestly seeking information, then by all means feel free to ask questions. But whether you intended to or not, your responses are coming across as very adversarial and dismissive.
Ok so I'm very, very wrong along another semantic axis but in this context it's absolutely irrelevant, using the definition given in the second paragraph:
> In the kinetic theory of gases, the term molecule is often used for any gaseous particle regardless of its composition. According to this definition, noble gas atoms are considered molecules despite being composed of a single non-bonded atom.
Unless you're saying that water (or any other molecule for that matter) can form inside of a star, which would open an entirely new field of chemistry, this is the definition to use when talking about astrophysics.
No it doesn't; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecule cites that as an earlier, less precise definition than the one that's commonly used today. The definition right at the top of the page is quite clear that by the usual definition, a single atom by itself does not constitute a molecule.
> The purpose of [citation needed] is not to take the wind out of your statement but to force you to provide the necessary evidence to back up your assertion.
In polite discussions, attempting to "force" your conversational partner to do anything is kind of discourteous. If you're honestly seeking information, then by all means feel free to ask questions. But whether you intended to or not, your responses are coming across as very adversarial and dismissive.