A solid white substance A is heated strongly in the absence of air. It decomposes to form a new white substance \(B\) and a gas C.The gas has exactly the same properties as the product obtained when carbon is burned in an excess of oxygen. Based on these observations, can we determine whether solids \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{B}\) and gas \(\mathrm{C}\) are elements or compounds?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Based on the given information, gas C (carbon dioxide) is a compound, as it is composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Solid A is likely a compound containing carbon and oxygen, since it decomposes into solid B and gas C when heated. However, solid B could be either an element or a compound, as there is not enough information to definitively determine its nature.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the properties of gas C

Since gas C has the same properties as the product obtained when carbon is burned in excess oxygen, we can infer that gas C is carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide is produced when carbon reacts with oxygen according to the following chemical equation: \[C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2\]
02

Determine if gas C is an element or compound

Gas C, which is carbon dioxide (CO2), is a compound. A compound consists of two or more elements that are chemically combined in a fixed ratio. In the case of carbon dioxide, it is composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, representing a fixed combination of these two elements.
03

Identify the possible properties of solid A and solid B

We do not have enough information about solid A or solid B to definitively determine whether they are elements or compounds based solely on their color. However, we do know that when heated, solid A decomposes into solid B and a gas C (CO2). This indicates that solid A contains both carbon and oxygen, while solid B is a product resulted from a loss of oxygen and carbon in the form of CO2.
04

Determine if solid A and solid B are elements or compounds

Since solid A contains both carbon and oxygen, it is very likely that solid A is a compound. However, solid B could potentially be either a compound or an element, since we do not have enough information to make a definite determination. In conclusion, based on the given information, gas C is a compound (carbon dioxide), solid A is likely a compound (containing carbon and oxygen), and solid B could be either an element or compound with the given information.

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