What do combinations of elements in whole number ratios form?

The combination of elements in whole number ratios results in the formation of compounds. A compound is a substance formed when two or more different elements chemically bond together in fixed proportions. This means that the elements are typically combined in specific whole number ratios, which can be represented by chemical formulas.

For example, water (H₂O) is a compound formed from the elements hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio. This fixed combination is what distinguishes a compound from a mixture, where components can vary in ratios.

Understanding this fundamental concept is key in chemistry, as it lays the groundwork for more advanced studies involving chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and the properties of substances. This principle also helps clarify the distinction between compounds and other types of substances, such as solutions or alloys, which do not necessarily involve fixed whole number ratios of different elements.