Question

The properties of a compound are different from those of its constituent __________ .

Answer 1

• A compound is a substance made up of two or more elements chemically combined in a fixed proportion by mass.
• Water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right),$ for example, is a compound composed of two elements, hydrogen, and oxygen, chemically united in a constant proportion of $1:8$ by mass (Atomic masses: $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{H}=1\mathrm{u},\mathrm{O}=16\mathrm{u}, \\ {\mathrm{H}}_2:\mathrm{O}=2\mathrm{u}:16\mathrm{u}, \\ 1:8 \end{gathered}$$).
• Since, there is a chemical bond formation that takes place during the formation of a compound. Hence, the constituents elements have completely different properties than the compound.
• For example - Hydrogen is a flammable gas, and Oxygen is a supporter of combustion while on the other hand, their compound water is inflammable.

Therefore, The properties of a compound are different from those of its constituent elements.