Question
What is a compound?
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GPT-4o mini
A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond together in a fixed ratio. The properties of a compound are often different from the properties of the individual elements that make it up. Compounds can be classified into two main categories:
1. **Ionic Compounds**: Formed when electrons are transferred from one element to another, resulting in the formation of ions that are held together by electrostatic forces (ionic bonds). Common examples include sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium oxide (MgO).
2. **Covalent Compounds**: Formed when two or more elements share electrons, resulting in covalent bonds. Examples include water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Compounds can have a wide variety of chemical and physical properties and can be represented by chemical formulas that indicate the elements present and their ratios.
1. **Ionic Compounds**: Formed when electrons are transferred from one element to another, resulting in the formation of ions that are held together by electrostatic forces (ionic bonds). Common examples include sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium oxide (MgO).
2. **Covalent Compounds**: Formed when two or more elements share electrons, resulting in covalent bonds. Examples include water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Compounds can have a wide variety of chemical and physical properties and can be represented by chemical formulas that indicate the elements present and their ratios.