PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What are gasoline, synthetic fabrics, plastics, and pesticides considered because they are manufactured from living or once-living things?

1. Inorganic compounds

2. Elements

3. Organic compounds

4. Chemicals

The correct answer is: Organic compounds

Gasoline, synthetic fabrics, plastics, and pesticides are classified as organic compounds because they are derived from living or once-living organisms. Organic compounds typically contain carbon and are associated with the chemistry of life. The term 'organic' in this context refers to substances that are either produced by living creatures or synthesized from natural organic materials. For instance, gasoline is produced from the decomposition of ancient organic matters such as plants and animals that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years, resulting in fossil fuels. Similarly, synthetic fabrics and plastics are often created from petrochemicals, which are derived from the same fossil fuels. Pesticides may also originate from natural compounds found in plants, though they can also be synthesized. In contrast, inorganic compounds are generally those that do not consist predominantly of carbon-hydrogen bonds, while elements are pure substances consisting of only one type of atom. The term 'chemicals' is very broad and could include both organic and inorganic compounds, so it does not precisely define the category that the question seeks. Therefore, identifying these substances as organic compounds is accurate and aligns with the definitions provided in organic chemistry.