Final answer:
Helium would not be capable of forming compounds, as it is a noble gas with a stable electron configuration, making it nonreactive. Hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon, on the contrary, form compounds readily and are fundamental to many diverse molecular species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemistry of Element Compounds
The student asked which of the elements would not be capable of forming compounds. The options given were Helium (He), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), and Carbon (C). Helium is the correct answer here, as it is a noble gas with a complete valence electron shell, making it very stable and nonreactive under normal conditions. Therefore, it rarely forms chemical compounds. On the other hand, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon are all capable of forming compounds. They are key elements that bond with themselves and other elements to create a diverse array of molecules.
For example, hydrogen can form a single chemical bond and is part of countless compounds, including water (H2O). Oxygen forms two chemical bonds and is found in water as well as other essential compounds like carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon, with its ability to form four chemical bonds, is capable of creating a vast number of compounds, including organic molecules like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These attributes allow for the complexity necessary for life.