Question

identify each of the following as either an atom, element, molecule or compound:
substance atom, element, molecule, or compound
a. nh₃
b. p
c. carbon - 14
d. s
e. p₄

Explanation:

Step1: Recall definitions

An atom is the smallest unit of an element. An element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom. A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. A compound is a molecule made of two or more different types of elements.

Step2: Analyze a. $NH_3$

It is made of nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H) atoms, so it is a compound.

Step3: Analyze b. P

Phosphorus (P) is an element symbol. It can represent an atom of phosphorus or the element phosphorus.

Step4: Analyze c. carbon - 14

Carbon - 14 is an isotope of carbon. It represents an atom of carbon.

Step5: Analyze d. S

Sulfur (S) is an element symbol. It can represent an atom of sulfur or the element sulfur.

Step6: Analyze e. $P_4$

It is a group of four phosphorus atoms held together by chemical bonds, so it is a molecule.

Answer:

a. Compound
b. Atom/Element
c. Atom
d. Atom/Element
e. Molecule