Which two molecules are compounds? NaHCO3 O3 Cl2 C8H18
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The two molecules that are compounds from the list are NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate) and C₈H₁₈ (octane). Let’s analyze each molecule in detail:
- NaHCO₃ (Sodium Bicarbonate): Sodium bicarbonate is a compound because it consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together. In this case, sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O) are chemically combined in a specific ratio to form sodium bicarbonate. A compound is defined as a substance formed from two or more different elements that are chemically bonded in fixed proportions. Sodium bicarbonate fits this definition as it is a combination of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms, all bonded in a stable structure.
- O₃ (Ozone): Ozone, represented by O₃, is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. While it is a molecule, it is not a compound because it consists of only one element, oxygen, in its molecular form. Compounds require different types of elements, whereas O₃ is simply an allotrope of oxygen, containing only oxygen atoms.
- Cl₂ (Chlorine Gas): Chlorine gas, represented by Cl₂, is also a molecule made up of two chlorine atoms. Similar to ozone, Cl₂ is a molecule, but not a compound, because it consists of only one element, chlorine. It’s a diatomic molecule of the same element, so it does not qualify as a compound.
- C₈H₁₈ (Octane): Octane is a compound made up of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. Specifically, it consists of eight carbon atoms and eighteen hydrogen atoms bonded together. It is a hydrocarbon, a class of compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen. The bonding between these elements in specific proportions forms octane, which is a compound.
In conclusion, NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate) and C₈H₁₈ (octane) are the compounds in this list because they are formed from two or more different elements chemically bonded together.