Final answer:
Sugar appears different from its constituent elements because it is a molecular compound with a unique structure and bonding that results in distinct physical and chemical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sugar looks different than the elements from which it is made because it is a molecular compound known as sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁). The elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen come together in a specific arrangement to form sugar molecules with unique properties. When sugar dissolves in water, the intermolecular attractive forces holding the individual sugar molecules together are disrupted, but the covalent bonds within each sugar molecule remain intact. Sugar molecules also become hydrated, forming hydrogen bonds with water, but without a distinct orientation as with ions. The phenomenon that sugar and its constituent elements have different properties is a central feature of chemical reactions, showcasing how atomic arrangement and bonding can lead to drastically different physical and chemical properties.