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why do elements which by themselves are toxic but when forming a compound become harmless, even useful?
im really curious.. for example how is it possible that Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) both by itself are toxic and harmful to human health when forming a compound Salt (NaCl) becomes harmless and useful? same as with Hydrogen and Oxygen forming water? I'll appreciate sensible answers... thanks..
3 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
sodium is explosive in water, chlorine is toxic
people mistakenly assume that in a compound the elements remain unchanged. they aren't the same...instead of sodium atoms, there are sodium IONS, and chlorine IONS just the same. since they have changed their orbital configurations (gained or lost electrons), then their chemical properties change as well
- gp4rtsLv 71 decade ago
The very reason that some elements are toxic in pure form is that they are reactive and try to combine with other substances. This can happen in the body, removing necessary substances from tissue or producing toxic byproducts from the reactions. Once the elements are combined into stable compounds, they no longer need to combine to form other compounds.
- doug_donaghueLv 71 decade ago
It's all about the interaction of the outer orbital electrons in both elements with each other and with other materials.
Take a couple of Chemistry classes and it will all make sense.
Doug
