Question

explain why there are more substances on earth than are listed on the periodic table of elements.

Explanation:

The periodic table lists elements, which are pure substances made of only one - type of atom. Most substances on Earth are compounds (combinations of different elements) or mixtures (combinations of different substances). For example, water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, and air is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon - dioxide etc. So, there are far more substances on Earth than just the elements listed on the periodic table.

Answer:

There are more substances on Earth than are listed on the periodic table because most substances on Earth are compounds or mixtures, while the periodic table only lists elements.