How do the chemical properties of a compound generally compare to the properties of the elements that form it?

• A. The compound's chemical properties are a simple average of the properties of its elements.
• B. The compound always has the same chemical properties as its constituent elements.
• C. The compound's chemical properties are identical to the most reactive element in the compound.
• D. The compound usually has chemical properties that are different from those of its constituent elements.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical properties describe how a substance reacts with other substances, including reactivity, acidity, basicity, and more.
2. Recall that when elements combine to form a compound, they undergo chemical bonding, which changes the arrangement and behavior of their electrons.
3. Recognize that because the atoms are bonded differently in a compound compared to their elemental forms, the compound exhibits new chemical properties that are distinct from those of the individual elements.
4. Note that the compound's properties are not simply an average or identical to any one element; instead, they reflect the new chemical structure and interactions within the compound.
5. Conclude that the chemical properties of a compound are generally different from the properties of the elements that form it due to the new chemical bonds and structure.