Which particle diagram best represents a mixture of an element and a compound?

• A. A diagram showing molecules made of only one type of atom.
• B. A diagram showing separate atoms of one type and molecules made of two different types of atoms.
• C. A diagram showing only atoms of one type.
• D. A diagram showing only molecules made of two different types of atoms.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: An element consists of only one type of atom, while a compound consists of molecules made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together.
2. Identify what a mixture is: A mixture contains two or more substances (elements or compounds) physically combined but not chemically bonded, so their particles remain separate.
3. Analyze the particle diagrams: A diagram showing only one type of atom represents a pure element, and a diagram showing only molecules made of two different types of atoms represents a pure compound.
4. Recognize that a mixture of an element and a compound must show both separate atoms of one type (element) and molecules made of two different types of atoms (compound) in the same diagram.
5. Conclude that the correct particle diagram for a mixture of an element and a compound is the one showing separate atoms of one type alongside molecules made of two different types of atoms.