Given that there are 92 naturally occurring elements, what does this imply about the number of possible chemical compounds?

• A. The number of possible compounds is less than 92, because not all elements can form compounds.
• B. The number of possible compounds is much greater than 92 because elements can combine in many different ways.
• C. The number of possible compounds is equal to the number of elements squared, or 92 × 92.
• D. The number of possible compounds is exactly 92, since each element forms only one compound.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chemical compound is formed when two or more elements chemically combine in fixed ratios.
2. Recognize that with 92 naturally occurring elements, these elements can combine in numerous ways, not just one-to-one combinations.
3. Consider that compounds can have different numbers of atoms of each element, leading to a vast variety of possible compounds (e.g., H2O vs. H2O2).
4. Realize that the number of possible compounds grows exponentially with the number of elements because of different combinations and ratios.
5. Conclude that the number of possible chemical compounds is much greater than 92, as elements can combine in many different ways to form countless compounds.