Question

Materials such as magnesium carbonate and tricalcium phosphate can easily absorb water and are often added to table salt. What is the most likely reason for adding these substances?

A) They allow the table salt to more easily dissolve in water.
B) They increase the moisture content of the table salt.
C) They prevent the table salt from clumping when it is damp.
D) They add minerals that preserve the table salt.
Select all of the following that can only be the result of a chemical change?

Answer 1

Magnesium carbonate and tricalcium phosphate are added to salt to prevent clumping by absorbing moisture, which is a common issue with damp salt. This action is related to their function as anti-caking agents. Option C is correct..

Step-by-step explanation:

Materials such as magnesium carbonate and tricalcium phosphate are commonly added to table salt, primarily to prevent the table salt from clumping when it is damp (Answer C). These substances are known as anti-caking agents, and they absorb moisture that could cause salt particles to stick together. They do not increase the moisture content of the salt, make it dissolve more easily, or add preserving minerals.

When assessing results of a chemical change, it is important to recognize that such changes alter the composition of a substance. Examples include sugar decomposing into carbon and water, and sodium and chlorine reacting to form sodium chloride (table salt). Unlike physical changes, chemical changes cannot be reversed by simple physical means.