[Campbell Biology P.78] Which of the following statements best describes the concept of "em... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of "emergent properties" as illustrated by the formation of sodium chloride table salt from sodium and chlorine?

  • A: The properties of a compound are an average of the properties of its constituent elements.
  • B: The properties of a compound are identical to those of its most abundant element.
  • C: A compound exhibits entirely new properties that are distinct from those of its individual constituent elements.
  • D: The formation of a compound always results in a less stable substance than its elements.

Explanation

The text states, "A compound has characteristics different from those of its elements Figure 2.2 ." It illustrates this with sodium chloride: "Pure sodium is a metal, and pure chlorine is a poisonous gas. When chemically combined, however, sodium and chlorine form an edible compound." This dramatic change in properties, where the compound table salt exhibits qualities edibility, non-toxicity completely absent in its constituent elements a reactive metal and a poisonous gas , is the essence of emergent properties.