Which of the following is classified as an element?
- AOption (a)
Copper
- BOption (b)
Salt
- COption (c)
Air
- DOption (d)
Water
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Correct answer
Copper
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Copper.
Key Points
- An element is a pure substance that consists entirely of one type of atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
- Copper is a chemical element represented by the symbol Cu and carries the atomic number 29. It exists as a pure substance in its metallic form, making it a classic example of an element found in the periodic table. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Salt, commonly known as table salt, is a chemical compound called Sodium Chloride with the formula NaCl. It is formed by the chemical bonding of Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) in a fixed 1:1 ratio. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- Air is not a single substance but a homogeneous mixture of various gases. It primarily consists of Nitrogen (78%) and Oxygen (21%), along with traces of Argon, Carbon Dioxide, and water vapor. These gases are physically mixed but not chemically bonded. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
- Water is a compound composed of two different elements: Hydrogen and Oxygen. Its chemical formula is H2O, indicating that two atoms of hydrogen are chemically bonded to one atom of oxygen. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.
- Hence, the correct answer is Copper.
Additional Information
- Characteristics of Elements:
- There are 118 confirmed elements known to science, of which 94 occur naturally on Earth.
- Elements are categorized into Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids based on their physical and chemical properties.
- Copper is classified as a transition metal, located in Group 11 and Period 4 of the periodic table.
- Compounds vs. Mixtures:
- Compounds (like Water or Salt) have a fixed composition and properties that differ significantly from their constituent elements. They can only be separated by chemical methods.
- Mixtures (like Air) do not have a fixed ratio and retain the individual properties of their components. They can be separated by physical methods such as filtration or distillation.
- Properties and Uses of Copper:
- Copper is highly valued for its excellent electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, ranking second only to Silver among pure metals.
- It is widely used in electrical wiring, telecommunications, electronics, and plumbing.
- Historically, it was the first metal to be smelted from its ore around 5000 BC and the first metal to be cast into a shape in a mold around 4000 BC.
Important Points
- Atomic Structure: The identity of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, known as the atomic number. For Copper, every atom contains exactly 29 protons.
- State of Matter: At standard temperature and pressure (STP), Copper is a reddish-orange solid, Water is a liquid, and Air consists of gases.
- Abundance: While Copper is an essential trace mineral for all living organisms, it is found in the Earth's crust at a concentration of about 50 parts per million (ppm).
- Common Alloys: Because it is an element, Copper can be mixed with other elements to form alloys. For example, Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc, while Bronze is primarily Copper and Tin.