Chapter 2, Problem 24A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the chalk is composed of an element or a compound needs to be explained.

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 24A

The certain change suggest that the chalk is composed of a compound.

Explanation of Solution

Substance is made up of the similar types of the atoms. A substance which is made entirely from single type of atom, called element. Compound is a substance in which two or more than two different elements are chemically bounded together.

Chalk loses mass when it is heated and also, appears to change into some another substance with dissimilar physical properties. In other words, it decomposes into calcium oxide & carbon dioxide when heated.The chalk turns into dust, an element if chalkcan’t be broken down into slighter substances.

Conclusion

Chalk is a compound.