Which of these is a compound? O Co2 O2 Co
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is CO₂.
Explanation:
A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together in fixed proportions. The key characteristic of compounds is that their constituent elements are chemically combined, meaning they have fixed ratios and specific chemical bonds, resulting in a new substance with unique properties different from those of the individual elements.
Let’s analyze each option:
- O (Oxygen atom): This is a single element, specifically a molecule of oxygen with two atoms (O₂) in its natural form. Since it contains only one element, it is an element, not a compound.
- CO₂ (Carbon dioxide): This is a compound made of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms bonded together chemically. It has a fixed ratio of 1:2 and exhibits properties distinct from carbon and oxygen individually. It is a typical example of a chemical compound.
- O₂ (Oxygen molecule): This is a molecule composed of two oxygen atoms bonded together. It is an element, specifically a diatomic molecule of oxygen, not a compound because it contains only one element.
- Co (Cobalt): This is a chemical element, a metal, not a compound.
Summary:
- CO₂ is a compound because it consists of two different elements (carbon and oxygen) chemically bonded in a fixed ratio.
- O and O₂ are just oxygen, either an atom or a diatomic molecule, both of which are elements.
- Co is a single element (cobalt), not a compound.
Therefore, CO₂ is the only option that qualifies as a compound among the choices provided.