Classify each of these as an element or a compound: (a) sodium chloride (table salt), (b) helium, (c) alcohol, (d) platinum.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Sodium chloride is a compound, helium is an element, alcohol is a compound, and platinum is an element.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Concepts

Firstly, understand the basic concepts of elements and compounds. An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. It consists of atoms of only one type. A compound, on the other hand, is a substance that can be separated into simpler substances only by chemical means. It is made up of two or more types of elements.
02

Classify Sodium chloride

Sodium chloride, which is also known as table salt, is a compound. It consists of Sodium (Na) and Chloride (Cl) ions. Both are elements, but when they bond together, they form a compound, which is Sodium Chloride (NaCl).
03

Classify Helium

Helium is an element. It is a noble gas that exists on its own. It contains atoms of only one type, which is the Helium atom.
04

Classify Alcohol

Alcohol is a compound. The most common form of Alcohol, Ethanol, is composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms. Therefore, it is not a single element but a compound.
05

Classify Platinum

Platinum is an element. It is a precious metal that exists on its own. It contains atoms of only one type, which is the Platinum atom.

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