Chemistry
State five different characteristics of compounds. Give three differences between elements & compounds with relevant examples.
Answer
Five characteristics of compounds are:
(i) Components in a compound are in a definite proportion.
(ii) Particles in a compound are of one kind
(iii) Compounds have a definite set of properties
(iv) Elements in the compound do not retain their original properties.
(v) Components in a compound can be separated by chemical means only.
Three differences between elements & compounds are:
| S. No. | Elements | Compounds |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Elements contain one kind of atoms only. E.g., Carbon [C], Oxygen [O] | Compounds contain two or more kinds of atoms. E.g., Carbon dioxide [CO2] |
| 2. | Elements cannot be broken down into two or more simpler substances by physical or chemical means | Compounds can be broken down into two or more simpler substances by chemical means. |
| 3. | Elements have their own set of properties E.g., elements Carbon [C] is combustible and oxygen [O] supports combustion. | Properties of compounds differ from those of their elements E.g., CO2 contains carbon and oxygen where carbon [C] is combustible and oxygen [O] supports combustion but carbon dioxide is non-combustible and non-supporter of combustion. |
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