Which statement is true about inorganic compounds?
They are not made of atoms.
They contain carbon.
They are not made from living things.
They are all elements.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct statement is: They are not made from living things.
Inorganic compounds are typically characterized as substances that do not originate from living organisms. While they may contain a variety of elements, including metals, non-metals, and sometimes carbon, they are not primarily associated with biological processes. Inorganic compounds are generally formed through non-biological chemical processes.
To clarify the other options:
- They are not made of atoms: This is false because inorganic compounds, like all chemical compounds, are made of atoms. Atoms are the basic units that combine to form molecules, which make up compounds.
- They contain carbon: This statement is only sometimes true. While some inorganic compounds do contain carbon (for example, carbonates), the majority of inorganic compounds do not. Organic compounds, on the other hand, are primarily carbon-based and are found in living organisms.
- They are all elements: This is also false. Inorganic compounds are typically composed of multiple elements, not just one. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) is an inorganic compound made of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) elements.
In summary, inorganic compounds are those that typically do not originate from living organisms, and they can be composed of various elements. They are fundamental in numerous chemical reactions and industrial processes. Examples of inorganic compounds include salts, metals, and minerals, all of which play key roles in various non-biological systems.