Susana heats up a sample of red crystals. While the sample is being heated, a gas is released and a blue powder is left after the heating. Is the sample of red crystals an element or a compound? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The sample of red crystals is likely a compound. The reasoning behind this conclusion is based on the observable changes that occur during the heating process.

When a substance is heated and produces a gas while leaving behind a different solid (in this case, a blue powder), it indicates that a chemical reaction is taking place. Compounds are substances formed from two or more elements that are chemically bonded together. When compounds are heated, they can undergo decomposition reactions where they break down into simpler substances, which can include gases and other solids.

In this scenario, the red crystals (the initial compound) decompose upon heating, resulting in the release of a gas and the formation of a new solid (the blue powder). This behavior is characteristic of compounds rather than elements. If the red crystals were an element, we would not expect a change in identity to a new substance (the blue powder) upon heating, as elements do not decompose into simpler substances.

Therefore, the evidence suggests that the red crystals are indeed a compound, as they undergo a transformation resulting in the release of a gas and the production of a new solid.