Question

some elements can only exist in pairs. one example is oxygen, which is written as o₂. is this an example of a compound? why or why not?

Explanation:

A compound is a substance formed when two or more different elements chemically combine. In \(O_2\), there is only one type of element (oxygen). So it does not meet the criteria for a compound.

Answer:

No, \(O_2\) is not a compound. A compound requires two or more different elements, but \(O_2\) has only one element (oxygen).