Top Posters
Since Sunday
w
3
w
3
e
3
3
r
3
b
2
M
2
V
2
f
2
c
2
c
2
K
2
Home Q & A Board Science-Related Homework Help Chemistry (Moderator: Laser_3)
New Topic  
rkdgh2002 rkdgh2002
wrote...
Go to Answer
Posts: 158
Rep: 0 0
12 years ago
How is it possible that only 92 elements are found in the natural world but there are millions of different types of molecules?
Read 516 times
5 Replies
Replies
Answer accepted by topic starter
rkim12rkim12
wrote...
#1
Posts: 105
Rep: 1 0
12 years ago
Sign in or Sign up in seconds to unlock everything for free
1

Related Topics

wrote...
#2
12 years ago
Because molecules are made of combinations of elements
let's say you have 4 numbers, how many different numbers can you make by combining those 4 numbers in different orders? A lot
Same idea.
With a base of 92 and multiple ways of putting them together, the total number of combinations gets into the millions
wrote...
#3
12 years ago
Heck, there are only 26 letters in the alphabet, but hundreds of thousands of words.

There are only 12 notes in the musical scale, but how many different tunes.

You are not thinking, are you?  
wrote...
#4
12 years ago
You are confusing elements - atoms - and molecules. There are indeed 92 natural elements, H to U. Each element appears as individual atoms, such as hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, etc. These individual atoms can and do bond with each other to make molecules, such as methane CH4, water H2O, etc. I hope you are not confused anymore.
wrote...
#5
12 years ago
Think of it like a sandwich shop.
They can make 60 different kinds of sandwiches out of 3 kinds of meat, 2 kinds of cheese, and 3 different spreads.
Do you want white or wheat?


Hold the pickle.
New Topic      
Quick Reply
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  598 People Browsing
Start New Topic Take the Tour CoursesNew Study Tools Topics Trending Browse by Textbook
Live Chat
Related Images
  
 93
  
 1076
  
 11268
Your Opinion
Which is the best fuel for late night cramming?
Votes: 233
Previous poll results: Which country would you like to visit for its food?