Multiple Choice
Which of the following would indicate the formation of a new substance?
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1. Intro to General Chemistry
Chemical Properties
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Which of the following substances can be decomposed by chemical means?
A
Water (H_2O)
B
Oxygen gas (O_2)
C
Gold (Au)
D
Nitrogen (N_2)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of chemical decomposition: it involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances by chemical means.
Identify which substances are compounds and which are elements. Compounds consist of two or more different elements chemically bonded, while elements consist of only one type of atom.
Water (H_2O) is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms chemically bonded together, so it can be decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen gases by chemical means.
Oxygen gas (O_2), nitrogen gas (N_2), and gold (Au) are elements, meaning they consist of only one type of atom and cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by chemical means.
Therefore, only water (H_2O) can be chemically decomposed among the given substances.
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