Which of the following is a compound?
- AOption (a)
Salt ()
- BOption (b)
Soil
- COption (c)
Lemon juice
- DOption (d)
Air
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Correct answer
Salt ()
Why this answer is correct
p data-end="57" data-start="0">The correct answer is Salt (NaCl).
Key Points
- A compound is a substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio by mass.
- Salt (NaCl), also known as Sodium Chloride, is a classic example of a compound. It is formed by the ionic bonding of Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl). Hence, option 1 is correct.
- In a compound, the properties of the resulting substance are entirely different from its constituent elements. For instance, Sodium is a highly reactive metal and Chlorine is a toxic gas, but their compound, Salt, is a stable, edible crystalline solid used in food preservation and seasoning.
- The constituents of a compound cannot be separated by physical methods such as filtration, decantation, or centrifugation. They can only be separated into their elements by chemical or electrochemical reactions like electrolysis.
- Compounds always follow the Law of Constant Proportions, meaning every sample of NaCl will always contain Sodium and Chlorine in the same 1:1 ratio of atoms.
Additional Information
- Soil:
- Soil is a heterogeneous mixture. It consists of varying amounts of minerals, organic matter (humus), gases, liquids, and countless organisms.
- Because its composition is not uniform and the components are not chemically bonded in a fixed ratio, it does not qualify as a compound. Hence, option 2 is incorrect.
- Lemon Juice:
- Lemon juice is a mixture (specifically a solution) containing water (H2O), citric acid, Vitamin C, and sugars.
- The ingredients in lemon juice retain their individual chemical identities and can vary in concentration depending on the fruit. Hence, option 3 is incorrect.
- Air:
- Air is a homogeneous mixture of several gases. It primarily consists of Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Argon (0.9%), and Carbon Dioxide (0.04%).
- Since these gases are physically mixed and not chemically combined, and their proportions can vary slightly based on location or altitude, air is classified as a mixture rather than a compound. Hence, option 4 is incorrect.
Important Points
- Characteristics of Compounds:
- A compound has a fixed melting point and boiling point.
- The formation of a compound usually involves the absorption or release of energy in the form of heat or light.
- Difference between Mixtures and Compounds:
- Mixtures can be separated by physical means (like using a magnet to separate iron filings from sulfur), whereas compounds (like Iron Sulfide) cannot.
- Common examples of other compounds include Water (H2O), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and Methane (CH4).