Question

Which of the following is true about the atoms and molecules in the world?

a) A small, finite variety of atoms make up a nearly infinite variety of molecules.
b) A nearly infinite variety of atoms make up a small, finite variety of molecules.
c) A small, finite variety of atoms make up a small, finite variety of molecules.
d) A nearly infinite variety of atoms make up a nearly infinite variety of molecules.

Answer 1

A small, finite variety of atoms make up a nearly infinite variety of molecules because the number of ways atoms can bond together to form different molecules is incredibly vast.So the correct option is a.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the provided question is: a) A small, finite variety of atoms make up a nearly infinite variety of molecules. This is because there are about 100 different elements (kinds of atoms) that occur in nature, from which molecules are constructed. A molecule may consist of two or more atoms that are joined by strong forces called chemical bonds. Given the vast number of possible combinations and arrangements of these atoms, there are millions of different molecules that exist, each with their own set of chemical properties.

For instance, the familiar water molecule (H₂O) consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together. The glucose molecule, another common example, is made up of 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. As such, while the variety of individual atoms is relatively limited, the potential for molecular diversity is enormous, leading to a nearly infinite variety of possible molecules.