Question

what questions do you need to ask about a substance in order to determine whether it is (1) an atomic element, (2) a molecular element, (3) a molecular compound, or (4) an ionic compound? write a detailed set of instructions describing how to determine the classification of a substance based on the answers to your questions.
drag the terms on the left to the appropriate blanks on the right to complete the sentences.
does it have single atoms as its base units?
does it have a diatomic molecule as its base units?
is it composed of a metal cation and a nonmetal anion?
is it composed of two (or more) nonmetals?
an atomic element:
an ionic compound:
a molecular compound:
a molecular element:

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each substance type:

• Atomic element: Consists of single atoms as base units. So the question "Does it have single atoms as its base units?" matches.
• Ionic compound: Formed from a metal cation and nonmetal anion. So the question "Is it composed of a metal cation and a nonmetal anion?" matches.
• Molecular compound: Made of two (or more) nonmetals (covalently bonded). So the question "Is it composed of two (or more) nonmetals?" matches.
• Molecular element: Has diatomic (or polyatomic) molecules as base units (e.g., \( \text{O}_2 \), \( \text{N}_2 \)). So the question "Does it have a diatomic molecule as its base units?" matches.

Answer:

• An atomic element: Does it have single atoms as its base units?
• An ionic compound: Is it composed of a metal cation and a nonmetal anion?
• A molecular compound: Is it composed of two (or more) nonmetals?
• A molecular element: Does it have a diatomic molecule as its base units?