Which of the following statements correctly describes a compound?

• A. A compound can be separated into its components by physical means.
• B. The properties of a compound are usually different from those of its constituent elements.
• C. A compound consists of two or more elements chemically bonded in fixed proportions.
• D. A compound is always composed of identical atoms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a compound: A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in fixed proportions.
2. Recognize that compounds have properties that are usually different from those of the individual elements that compose them, due to the chemical bonding and new structure formed.
3. Recall that compounds cannot be separated into their elements by physical means; instead, chemical methods are required to break the bonds between elements.
4. Note that a compound is not composed of identical atoms; rather, it contains atoms of different elements bonded together.
5. Evaluate each statement based on these principles to determine which correctly describes a compound.