Question

in the following diagrams, the spheres represent atoms of different elements. different shadings represent different elements. which of the following correctly describes the substances in the containers? none of the containers represent a pure substance. all the containers represent mixtures. container b represents a pure substance, but containers a, c, and d represent a mixture. container c represents a pure substance, but containers a, b, and d represent mixtures.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall pure - substance and mixture definitions

A pure substance has only one type of particle (either atoms or molecules of the same kind), while a mixture has two or more different types of particles.

Step2: Analyze container A

Container A has two different types of particles (different - shaded spheres), so it is a mixture.

Step3: Analyze container B

Container B has two different types of particles (different - shaded spheres and di - atomic molecules), so it is a mixture.

Step4: Analyze container C

Container C has only one type of molecule (all the same - shaded di - atomic molecules), so it is a pure substance.

Step5: Analyze container D

Container D has three different types of particles (single atoms of two kinds and a type of molecule), so it is a mixture.

Answer:

Container C represents a pure substance, but containers A, B, and D represent mixtures.