millions of pure substance, even though there are only about 100 different elements, why is this so?

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millions of pure substance, even though there are only about 100 different elements, why is this so?

Why is it possible that are are millions of pure substance, even though there are only about 100 different elements?

2006-11-21 09:16:29 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

The mathematical permutations and combinations of 100 different substances numbers in the trillions. The limiting factor that reduces the number of compounds is the way they combine with each other.

2006-11-21 09:57:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋

Simply-compounds are also pure substances.

Compounds are made by combining two or more elements. Think about the number of combinations. Think about the number of words formed by 26 letters, there are approx. 118+/- elements.

Get an "A".

2006-11-21 11:05:04 · answer #2 · answered by teachr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋