Question

Which of these chemical formulas kci, xe, co2, or h2- represents both an element and a molecule?

Answer 1

Xe represents xenon, a noble gas that stands as both an element and a molecule because it exists as uncombined individual atoms. Unlike ionic or covalent compounds, xenon exists in its elemental form as a molecule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked about the chemical formula that represents both an element and a molecule. Among the options provided (kci, xe, co2, and h2), the correct answer is Xe which stands for xenon. Xenon is a noble gas and is considered both an element and a molecule because it typically exists as discrete, individual atoms that are chemically uncombined with any other elements. For example, O2 (oxygen) and H2 (hydrogen) are also molecules because they exist naturally as pairs of atoms bonded together. While the other three formulas represent ionic or covalent compounds, and therefore are not simple elements, xenon stands as a single element that forms no bonds and thus is a molecule in its elemental form.

Answer 2

An element is a substance that can not be broken into simpler parts by chemical means. Elements are made up of atoms. A molecule is the smallest particle of an element or a compound that has the same properties as the element or the compound. A molecule is made up of two or more atoms . A substance may be an element and a molecule. In this case the answer is, H2 (hydrogen gas) which is a molecule with two atoms of hydrogen and an element.