Question

In the following chemical equation, how many different elements and compounds are represented?

4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3
A) 3 elements and 1 compound
B) 2 elements and 2 compounds
C) 3 elements and 0 compounds
D) 2 elements and 1 compound

Answer 1

In the chemical equation 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃, there are 2 different elements, iron (Fe) and oxygen (O₂), and 1 compound, iron (III) oxide (Fe₂O₃). The correct answer is D) 2 elements and 1 compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical equation given is 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃. To determine the number of different elements and compounds represented in the equation, we need to identify each unique substance.

First, we can see that iron (Fe) and oxygen (O₂) are two separate elements. They are not combined with any other elements and are in their elemental form, hence we have two different elements.

Second, the substance Fe₂O₃ is iron (III) oxide, which is a compound because it consists of iron and oxygen atoms bonded together. It is the only compound in this equation.

Therefore, the correct answer is: D) 2 elements and 1 compound.