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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a pure substance?
A
Sodium chloride (NaCl)
B
Gold (Au)
C
Air
D
Oxygen gas (O_2)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of a pure substance: a pure substance has a fixed composition and distinct chemical properties. It can be either an element or a compound.
Identify each option: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a compound with a fixed ratio of sodium and chlorine atoms, so it is a pure substance.
Gold (Au) is an element consisting of only one type of atom, making it a pure substance.
Oxygen gas (O_2) is a molecule made of two oxygen atoms, so it is a pure substance as well.
Air is a mixture of different gases (mainly nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and others) and does not have a fixed composition, so it is NOT a pure substance.