Question

Pick out the odd-one from the following:

• A. steam
• B. diamond
• C. silver
• D. nitrogen

Answer 1

The correct option is A

steam

Explanation for the correct option:

(A) Steam: Steam is an example of a compound. It is the gaseous form of Water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$. It is made up of different elements namely Hydrogen $\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ and Oxygen $\left(\mathrm{O}\right)$ combined in a fixed ratio.

Compound: A compound is a pure substance in which elements combine chemically in a fixed composition to give a compound.

• They can be broken down into elements that make up the compound by using chemical or electrochemical methods.
• The properties of the compound are entirely different from the elements from which it is formed.
• Example: Water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$, Common salt i.e.; Sodium chloride $\left(\mathrm{NaCl}\right)$

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(B) Diamond: Diamond is an example of an element as it is a form of Carbon $\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$ and consists of only carbon atoms.

Element: An element is a pure substance that cannot be split into simpler substances and contains only one type of particle.

• Example: Hydrogen $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\right)$, Copper $\left(\mathrm{Cu}\right)$ etc.

(C) Silver: Silver $\left(\mathrm{Ag}\right)$ is an element as it comprises of only silver atoms.

(D) Nitrogen: Nitrogen $\left(\mathrm{N}\right)$ is also an example of an element and contains one type of particles i.e.; ${\mathrm{N}}_2$ molecules.

Hence, option (A) is correct.