Give four characteristics of a compound.

Four characteristics of a compound:

1. A compound's components are present in a certain proportion. In water, hydrogen and oxygen are present in a ratio of 2:1.

2. The components of a compound are present in a set mass ratio. Example:ammonia (${\mathrm{NH}}_3$).

• The atomic mass of N = 14
• The atomic mass of H = 1

N : (H × 3)

14 : (1 × 3)

14: 3

3. A chemical process can break down a compound into smaller components. For example: through electrolysis, we can separate hydrogen and oxygen from a water molecule.

4. A compound consists of one or more atoms from the same or distinct elements. Example: carbon dioxide (${\mathrm{CO}}_2$) contains two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom.