Question

A student does a series of experiments on a sample of unknown material. The student determines that physical processes are not able to break the sample into simpler substances. However, a chemical reaction produces carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. What type of matter is the sample? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, the sample of unknown material can be classified as a compound. This is because a chemical reaction produced carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Compounds are substances made up of two or more different elements chemically combined. In this case, the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms combine to form a compound.