which of these is a compound o co2 o2 co

Daniel Parker

less than a minute read

·

24-02-2025

1

0

Share

Of the three options—CO2, O2, and CO—only CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a compound. Let's explore why.

Understanding Elements and Compounds

Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify the difference between an element and a compound:

• Element: A pure substance consisting only of atoms that all have the same number of protons. Elements are found on the periodic table (e.g., oxygen (O), carbon (C)).

• Compound: A substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together. These bonds create a new substance with different properties than the individual elements (e.g., water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂)).

• Molecule: A group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. Both elements and compounds can exist as molecules. For example, O₂ (oxygen) is a molecule made of two oxygen atoms, while CO₂ (carbon dioxide) is a molecule made of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

Analyzing the Options

Now, let's examine each option:

• O₂ (Oxygen): This is a molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms. Since it contains only one type of atom (oxygen), it's an element, not a compound.

• CO (Carbon Monoxide): This is a molecule composed of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. Because it combines two different elements (carbon and oxygen), CO is a compound.

• CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide): This is a molecule made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Like CO, it combines different elements, making it a compound.

The Key Difference: Different Elements

The defining characteristic of a compound is the presence of two or more different elements chemically bonded together. O₂ only contains oxygen atoms; therefore, it's an element. CO and CO₂ both contain different elements (carbon and oxygen), thus making them compounds.

In Summary

To reiterate:

• Compound: CO₂ (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide)
• Element: O₂ (oxygen)

Understanding the distinction between elements and compounds is fundamental to chemistry. This knowledge helps us interpret the properties and behavior of different substances.