Answer:
When the term "break down" is used in reference to substances, it typically means to chemically decompose or separate a compound into its individual elements or molecules. In the case of Mercury and Sodium chloride, the number of different substances that can be recovered from the breakdown would depend on the method of breaking down or separation used.
Mercury is a chemical element with the atomic number 80, and it is typically found as a liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure. Mercury can be broken down into its individual atoms through a process called electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to split the mercury atoms into their component elements. Therefore, if mercury were broken down through electrolysis, the only substance that could be recovered would be individual mercury atoms.
Sodium chloride, on the other hand, is an ionic compound consisting of sodium cations (Na+) and chloride anions (Cl-). It is commonly known as table salt and is a crystalline solid at room temperature. Sodium chloride can be broken down into its individual ions through a process called electrolysis, similar to the breakdown of mercury. Therefore, if sodium chloride were broken down through electrolysis, two different substances could be recovered: sodium ions and chloride ions.
In addition, sodium chloride can also be broken down into its individual elements using a more traditional chemical reaction known as a decomposition reaction. This involves heating sodium chloride to high temperatures to break the ionic bond between sodium and chlorine. In this case, two different substances could also be recovered: metallic sodium and chlorine gas.
In summary, the number of different substances that could be recovered from the breakdown of Mercury and Sodium chloride would depend on the method of breaking down or separation used. In the case of electrolysis, only individual atoms or ions could be recovered, while in the case of decomposition or heating, unique elements or gases could be retrieved.