Question
Which of the following is an example of a compound? Sodium oxide Oxygen Liquid Solid Air Metal
Answer
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Georgia
Veteran · Tutor for 12 years
Answer
A - Sodium oxide
Explanation
In general, a compound is a substance that is composed of two or more elements that are chemically bonded together. Let's us consider each option separately to determine whether it's a compound or not. 1. Sodium oxide: Sodium oxide (Na2O) is a compound made up of two elements sodium (Na) and oxygen (O). 2. Oxygen: Oxygen (O2) is a chemical element, not a compound. Oxygen molecules made up of the same type of atom do not form a compound.3. Liquid and Solid: Are both states of matter, and do not indicate whether a substance is compound or not. You can have liquids or solids which can be either compounds or elements. 4. Air: It is a mixture of gases, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen with trace components of various other gases. Even though these elements combine to form air we breathe, they do not chemically bind and thus do not bring about a compound.5. Metal: Metal is generic term for a type of element, but not all metals are compounds as they can exist freely as single elements.Based on these explanations, Sodium oxide is the substance in this list which meets the definition of a compound i.e., it is a substance that is composed of two or more elements that are chemically bonded together.