Question

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a scientist is working with methane (ch₄) and butane (c₄h₁₀). which statement best compares these chemicals? they are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contain different numbers of atoms. they are two different types of molecules that each contain the same number of atoms. they are two different types of atoms that are each made up of a different number of elements. they are matter made of the same two compounds, but each contain different types of elements.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the chemical formulas: Methane is \( \text{CH}_4 \) (1 carbon, 4 hydrogens) and butane is \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_{10} \) (4 carbons, 10 hydrogens).
2. Check elements: Both have carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), so same two elements.
3. Check number of atoms: Methane has \( 1 + 4 = 5 \) atoms per molecule; butane has \( 4 + 10 = 14 \) atoms per molecule. So they are compounds (made of two elements) with different atom counts per molecule.
4. Evaluate options:

• Option 1 (top - right): "They are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contain different numbers of atoms." matches the analysis.
• Other options:
• Option about different molecule types with same atoms: Incorrect (molecule types differ, atom counts differ).
• Option about different atom types: Incorrect (same elements, so same atom types).
• Option about same compounds: Incorrect (different compounds).

Answer:

The statement "They are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contain different numbers of atoms." (the top - right boxed statement) best compares methane and butane.