Question

A student tested a sample of carbon (C) by combining it with water. There was no reaction between the carbon and water. The student concluded that carbon must be a group 18 element, since it was unreactive. Is this conclusion correct? Why or why not? No. The carbon probably did react, but did not give off any signs or indications of a chemical change. No. Just because carbon did not react with water, does not mean it wouldn’t react with a different compound. Yes. The student can make a reasonable conclusion based on one experiment. Yes. Water would react with almost every element, except Group 18 elements.

Answer 1

No, just because carbon did not react with water, does not mean it wouldn't react with a different compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is common knowledge that carbon is not in group 18, because it is found in all living compounds, and this means it must be reactive with many compounds. We know that water is not very reactive, but it is a good solvent. Meaning that many compounds can dissolve in water, but not chemically react with it. Carbon however is not very soluble because it does not create dipoles or hydrogen bonds. This means it will not show any change when in the presence of water, but if combined with oxygen, can form carbon dioxide.