vixii
Answered

Which statement best explains why compounds have different properties than the elements that form them?

AWhen elements form a compound, the bonds and structure of the elements change.
BWhen elements form a compound, the masses of the elements increase.
CWhen elements form a compound, the masses of the elements decrease.
DWhen elements form a compound, the elements become neutral.

Verified Answer :

The correct answer is A.

When elements are joined together , the atoms lose their individual properties and have different properties from the elements they are composed of because the bonds and the structure of the elements change.

An example are the elements chorine gas and sodium metal.  Chlorine is a poisonous gas and sodium is a toxic, explosive metal. When chlorine gas reacts with sodium, the resulting compound is sodium chloride which is neither toxic nor poisonous.  In fact sodium chloride or table salt is such a vital compound that without it, man cannot live.