Question

A scientist is working with methane (CH4) and butane (C4H10). Which statement best compares these chemicals?



They are two different types of molecules that each contain the same number of atoms.

They are two different types of atoms that are each made up of a different number of elements.

They are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contain different numbers of atoms.

They are matter made of the same two compounds, but each contain different types of elements.

Answer 1

They are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contain different numbers of atoms.

CH4 means "One C, and four H's are in this molecule"
C4H10 means "Four C, and ten H's are in this one."

Answer 2

Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A compound is a substance that consists of same or different type of atoms in a fixed ratio by mass. Whereas an element is a substance that contains same type of atoms.

For example, both $CH_{4}$ and $C_{4}H_{10}$ are compounds that consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

In $CH_{4}$ compound, there is only one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

On the other hand, in $C_{4}H_{10}$ compound there are four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms.

Hence, we can conclude that the statement they are compounds made of the same two elements, but each contain different numbers of atoms, best compares the given chemicals.