Final Answer:
Sugar, with the molecular formula
, is classified as a compound. This categorization stems from its unique chemical structure, where carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms combine in a fixed ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sugar, chemically represented as
, consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms bonded together in a specific ratio. A compound is formed when two or more different elements chemically combine in a fixed proportion. In the case of sugar, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are present in a defined molecular structure.
The subscript numbers indicate the ratio of atoms in a single molecule of sugar. With 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen atoms, and 11 oxygen atoms in each molecule, sugar exemplifies a compound due to its distinct chemical composition.
The molecular formula
represents sucrose, a common type of sugar found in various plants. The carbon atoms form a backbone, and the hydrogen and oxygen atoms are arranged in specific positions, giving sugar its unique properties.
Unlike mixtures, where components retain their individual properties, and elements, which consist of only one type of atom, compounds exhibit a defined structure and set ratios of different elements. This molecular structure accounts for the sweetness and various functional characteristics of sugar in culinary and industrial applications.
Understanding the classification of sugar as a compound is essential in chemistry and biology, as it lays the foundation for comprehending the behavior and interactions of substances at the molecular level. The molecular formula serves as a concise representation of the compound's composition, aiding scientists and researchers in their study of chemical reactions and properties.