Which statement best describes how the physical properties of rust (Fe2O3) compare with those of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O2)?

• A. Rust is a silvery-gray metal like iron, but oxygen is a reddish-brown solid.
• B. Rust and iron have identical physical properties because they both contain iron atoms.
• C. Rust is a colorless gas, similar to oxygen, but iron is a reddish-brown solid.
• D. Rust is a reddish-brown solid, while iron is a silvery-gray metal and oxygen is a colorless gas.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the substances involved: iron (Fe), oxygen (O\_2), and rust (Fe\_2O\_3).
2. Recall the physical state and appearance of each substance at room temperature: iron is a silvery-gray metal (solid), oxygen is a colorless gas, and rust is a reddish-brown solid.
3. Understand that rust (Fe\_2O\_3) is a compound formed by the chemical combination of iron and oxygen, which changes the physical properties compared to the individual elements.
4. Compare the physical properties: rust differs from iron in color and texture, and differs from oxygen in physical state and color.
5. Conclude that the best description is that rust is a reddish-brown solid, iron is a silvery-gray metal, and oxygen is a colorless gas.