Here's why:
* Elements: Ammonium nitrate is composed of the elements nitrogen (N), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).
* Chemical bonding: These elements are not simply mixed together. Instead, they are held together by chemical bonds, specifically ionic bonds.
* Fixed ratio: The elements are present in a specific and fixed ratio. Ammonium nitrate has the chemical formula NH₄NO₃, meaning for every molecule, there are:
* 2 nitrogen atoms (N)
* 4 hydrogen atoms (H)
* 3 oxygen atoms (O)
Key takeaway: The chemical combination of elements in a fixed ratio, held together by chemical bonds, defines ammonium nitrate as a compound.
