Which substance is an example of a ternary compound?

A ternary compound is a chemical compound that contains three different elements. In this context, sulfuric acid serves as an ideal example of a ternary compound. Its chemical formula is H₂SO₄, indicating it is composed of three distinct elements: hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O). This combination of elements is what classifies it as ternary.

Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, making it a binary compound. Sodium chloride consists of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), also a binary compound. Oxygen is a diatomic molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms, thus it does not fit the criteria for a ternary compound.

Understanding the classification of compounds based on their elemental composition is crucial in the study of chemistry, especially in the context of chemical reactions, nomenclature, and properties associated with different types of compounds.