To determine which molecules are compounds, we should first understand what a chemical compound is. A compound is a substance made up of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded in fixed proportions.
Let’s examine each given molecule:
1. NaHCO[tex]\(_3\)[/tex]:
- Elements: Sodium (Na), Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), and Oxygen (O).
- Since it consists of more than one element, NaHCO[tex]\(_3\)[/tex] is a compound.
2. O[tex]\(_3\)[/tex]:
- Elements: Oxygen (O) only.
- This molecule is made up of only one type of element, so O[tex]\(_3\)[/tex] is not a compound.
3. Cl[tex]\(_2\)[/tex]:
- Elements: Chlorine (Cl) only.
- This molecule is made up of only one type of element, so Cl[tex]\(_2\)[/tex] is not a compound.
4. C[tex]\(_8\)[/tex]H[tex]\(_{18}\)[/tex]:
- Elements: Carbon (C) and Hydrogen (H).
- Since it consists of more than one element, C[tex]\(_8\)[/tex]H[tex]\(_{18}\)[/tex] is a compound.
Therefore, the two molecules that are compounds are NaHCO[tex]\(_3\)[/tex] and C[tex]\(_8\)[/tex]H[tex]\(_{18}\)[/tex].
