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Select the diagram that correctly illustrates a mixture of oxygen, O2, and nitrogen, N2, gases.

The image shows a key for interpreting particle diagrams in chemistry. It defines two symbols

(1 point)
Responses
Top box:
Shows molecules paired together, with one white and one black circle each. This could represent a compound or a diatomic molecule in a condensed state, like a solid or liquid.
Second box:
Similar to the top box, but with the paired molecules more spread out, suggesting a transition towards a less condensed state.
Third box:
The molecules are now separated and randomly distributed, indicating a gaseous state or a solution where the molecules have dissociated.
Bottom box:
Only white circles are present, paired up. This could represent a change in the substance's composition, where the black circles are no longer present or have transformed into something else.

1 answer

In order to select the diagram that correctly illustrates a mixture of oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) gases, you need to look for a representation that includes both white circles (representing O2) and black circles (representing N2), with the molecules being randomly distributed and separated, indicating a gaseous state.

Based on the descriptions you've provided:

  • The top box shows paired molecules, and although it could represent diatomic molecules, it depicts a more condensed state.
  • The second box also shows molecules paired together but suggests a transition; however, it is still not fully representative of a gaseous state.
  • The third box shows molecules that are separated and randomly distributed, which is characteristic of gases. However, you would want to see both types of particles (white and black) mixed together.
  • The bottom box shows only white circles paired together, indicating only O2 and no N2, which doesn’t represent a mixture.

Since none of the boxes exactly represent a mixture of O2 and N2 gases, you would be looking for a modified description not listed among these options. Ideally, a diagram that includes both the white and black circles randomly and separately would be the best representation of a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen gases. Based on your current options, it appears that none of the given diagrams correctly illustrate the desired mixture.

If you have a specific box showing both black and white circular particles together and randomly mixed, that would be the correct choice to illustrate the gaseous mixture of O2 and N2.