Answers section
Questions 6.1(a)
- Identify any two differences between A and B.
- If the atoms in A are identical to those in B, suggest the cause of the differences.
- The physical properties of A and B are certainly not identical. What about their chemical properties? Explain your answer.
- Suggest how you would show by chemical means that A and B are the same element, carbon.
Answers to Questions 6.1(a)
- A is black, dull and opaque; but B is bright, colorful, reflects light and transparent.
A has no regular shape; but B consists of crystals fused together. - The difference is in the structure; that is, the way atoms are bonded and arranged in the element.
- A and B are chemically identical. Chemical properties depend on the atomic number and arrangement of electrons in the atom; but all these are identical in A and B because their atoms are identical.
- Burn equal masses of A and B separately in oxygen. They should produce the same amount of the same product, carbon (IV) oxide.