Answered

A scientist is working with methane [tex](CH_4)[/tex] and butane [tex](C_4H_{10})[/tex]. Which statement best compares these chemicals?

A. They are two different types of molecules that each contain the same number of atoms.
B. They are two different types of atoms that are each made up of a different number of elements.
C. They are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contains different numbers of atoms.
D. They are matter made of the same two compounds, but each contains different types of elements.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
Let's analyze the question step-by-step:

1. Identify the components in each molecule:
- Methane (CH₄): This molecule consists of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
- Butane (C₄H₁₀): This molecule consists of four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms.

2. Determine the types of elements in each molecule:
- Both methane and butane contain the same types of elements: carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).

3. Compare the number of atoms in each molecule:
- Methane (CH₄) has a total of 5 atoms (1 carbon + 4 hydrogen).
- Butane (C₄H₁₀) has a total of 14 atoms (4 carbon + 10 hydrogen).

4. Understand the nature of the molecules:
- Methane and butane are both compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen. Compounds are substances formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together.

5. Formulate the appropriate conclusion:
- They contain different numbers of each type of atom.
- They are not the same type of molecule because the ratios of carbon to hydrogen are different.
- These are not individual atoms but rather compounds made up of various elements.

Given these points, we can conclude that the correct statement comparing methane and butane is:

"They are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contain different numbers of atoms."