Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer.
Explanation:
A substance in which two or more elements are chemically bonded together results in the formation of a compound.
A compound is a pure substance as it contains element which are in their pure state.
A compound is formed when elements react with each other on the basis of their reactivity.
For example, [tex]Na^{+} + Cl^{-} \rightarrow NaCl[/tex]
Sodium has one extra electron whereas chlorine has deficiency of one electrons. Therefore, chlorine readily react with sodium in order to attain stability. Hence, it will form sodium chloride compound.
Thus, we can conclude that the ability of all elements to react with every other element is the factor that is likely to impact the possible number of compounds.