Which statement best describes the chemical properties of a compound such as sodium chloride?

• A. It can be separated into its elements by physical means.
• B. It has properties that are different from those of its constituent elements.
• C. It exhibits the same chemical properties as sodium metal.
• D. It is composed of molecules formed by covalent bonds.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a compound is a substance formed when two or more elements chemically combine in fixed proportions.
2. Recall that the chemical properties of a compound are generally different from those of the individual elements that compose it because new chemical bonds form, creating new substances.
3. Recognize that physical means (like filtration or distillation) cannot separate a compound into its elements; chemical reactions are required to break the chemical bonds.
4. Note that sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound, meaning it is composed of ions held together by ionic bonds, not covalent bonds, so it is not made of molecules formed by covalent bonds.
5. Conclude that the best description is that the compound has chemical properties different from those of its constituent elements, reflecting the new substance formed by chemical bonding.