Chapter 2, Problem 23A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: In an experiment, whether substance X is a compound or an element needs to be determined.

Concept introduction: Practically all of the matter in environment consists of mixtures of different substance. For example, soil; it has many forms of components, air; it has mixture of many gases, etc.

Answer to Problem 23A

Substance X is a compound.

Explanation of Solution

Substance is made up of the similar types of the atoms. A sample of matter with both definite & constant composition and also distinct chemical properties called a pure substance. A substance which is made entirely from one type of atom, called element. Compound is a substance in which two or more than two different elements are chemically bounded together.

In an experiment, Pure substance X is melted and the liquid is placed in an electrolysis apparatus. When an electric current is passesthrough a liquid, brown-solid form in one sperate chamber and white-solid form in other sperate chamber. According to this, substance X is compound because it forms two different things. Also, electrolysis broke the compound in two, and electron consists of positive & negative ions.

Conclusion

In an experiment, Substance X is a compound.