Each mineral group has a distinct chemical feature, such as
A sulfides are a metal combined with sulfur and oxygen
B oxides are a metal combined with oxygen
C halides are a salt combined with a metallic atom
D phosphates are made of phosphate polygons
I don't see a question here.
D doesn't follow the format of the others
what's in phosphate
.... phosphorus and oxygen
The correct answer is B) oxides are a metal combined with oxygen.
To understand this answer, it is important to have a basic understanding of mineral groups and their chemical composition.
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that have specific chemical compositions and crystal structures. They are categorized into different mineral groups based on their composition.
In this case, we are looking for a mineral group that has a distinct chemical feature, specifically a combination of a metal and another element.
Option A) sulfides are a metal combined with sulfur and oxygen: This is not correct because sulfides are a combination of a metal and sulfur, but not oxygen.
Option B) oxides are a metal combined with oxygen: This is correct. Oxides are compounds that consist of a metal combined with oxygen. Examples of oxides include hematite (iron oxide) and copper oxide.
Option C) halides are a salt combined with a metallic atom: This is not correct. Halides are compounds formed when a halogen (such as chlorine or fluorine) combines with a metal.
Option D) phosphates are made of phosphate polygons: This is not correct. Phosphates are compounds that contain the phosphate ion (PO4) combined with other elements, such as calcium or aluminum. The term "phosphate polygons" does not accurately describe their chemical composition.
To summarize, the correct answer is B) oxides, as they are a mineral group that consists of a metal combined with oxygen.