Question

Analyze and Critique:

A student submitted the written statement below describing the following equation:

Provided equation: Zn (s) + Cl2 (g) ----> ZnCl2 (s)

Student's Response:

A solid zinc element and one gaseous chlorine molecule combined to make one unit of solid zinc chloride

The student made 2 mistakes. List each mistake and how they can fix it.

Answer 1

The two mistakes made by the student are: 1) they used the term "element" instead of the term "substance"; and 2) they stated that one gaseous chlorine molecule was combined with the zinc, when actually two molecules of chlorine gas were combined with the zinc. The student can fix these mistakes by using the term "substance" instead of "element" and by stating that two molecules of chlorine gas were used in combination with the zinc.