Question

A solid white substance A is heated strongly in the absence of air. It decomposes to form a new white substance B and a gas C. The gas has exactly the same properties as the product obtained when carbon is burned in an excess of oxygen. Based on these observations, can we determine whether solids A and B and the gas C are elements or compounds?

Answer 1

A, B and C are compounds

Step-by-step explanation:

First of all, I need to establish that when carbon is burnt in excess oxygen, carbon dioxide is obtained as shown by this equation; C(s) + O2(g) ----> CO2(g).

Looking at the presentation in the question, A was said to be heated strongly and it decomposed to B and C. Only a compound can decompose when heated. Elements can not decompose on heating. Secondly, compounds usually decompose to give the same compounds that combined to form them. Compounds hardly decompose into their constituent elements.

Again from the information provided, the compound A is a white solid. This is likely to be CaCO3. It decomposes to give another white solid. This may be CaO and the gas was identified as CO2.

Hence;

CaCO3(s)--------> CaO(s) + CO2(g)