Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 1: Problem 67

Residential ozonators work by passing an electric current through the air, converting the oxygen in the air to ozone. Is this process a chemical reaction or a physical transformation of oxygen? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The process of converting oxygen in the air to ozone by passing an electric current through the air is a chemical reaction. This is because it involves the breaking and formation of chemical bonds, resulting in a different molecular structure (ozone) with different properties, which is characteristic of a chemical reaction rather than a physical transformation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Chemical Reactions and Physical Transformations

A chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of atoms in molecules, resulting in the formation of new chemical substances with different properties. In contrast, a physical transformation involves a change in the appearance or state of matter without any change in the chemical composition or identity of the substance.
02

Analyzing the process of ozonation

The process of ozonation involves passing an electric current through the air, which causes oxygen molecules (O2) to be converted into ozone (O3). This requires the breaking of O2 bonds and the formation of new O3 bonds, resulting in a different molecular structure and properties.
03

Determining the type of process

Since the process of ozonation involves the breaking and formation of chemical bonds and results in a different molecule with different properties (ozone), we can conclude that this process is a chemical reaction rather than a physical transformation of oxygen.
04

Conclusion

The process of converting oxygen in the air to ozone by passing an electric current through the air is a chemical reaction because it involves the rearrangement of atoms in molecules and results in the formation of a new chemical substance (ozone) with different properties.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Which one of the following is a compound: ozone, \(\mathrm{O}_{3}\); stainless steel, a combination of iron and other metals; sulfuric acid, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4} ;\) brewed coffee.

The air you breathe is properly called a solution. Explain why.

In the United States, most basic chemical research (science) is funded by the government, but most of the money spent on applying scientific knowledge (technology) comes from industry. Why do you suppose industry is reluctant to fund basic research?

Which of the following are elemental substances and which are compounds: chlorine, \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\); octane, \(\mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{H}_{18} ;\) sulfur, \(\mathrm{S}_{8} ;\) neon, Ne?

Propane has a boiling point below room temperature, and hexane has a boiling point above room temperature. In what physical state would you expect to find each substance at room temperature (which is usually about \(\left.20{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right) ?\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free