Question

iron (fe) and diatomic oxygen (o₂) combine to produce iron(iii) oxide (fe₂o₃). the table below compares the properties of these substances.

	iron (fe)	oxygen (o₂)	iron(iii) oxide (fe₂o₃)
density (g/cm³)	7.83	0.00143	5.25
appearance	shiny, gray metal	colorless, odorless gas	red, odorless powder

what can be concluded from this data?

a. a chemical reaction occurred because iron(iii) oxide has different properties than iron and diatomic oxygen.

b. a chemical reaction did not occur because iron(iii) oxide is not a new substance.

c. a chemical reaction occurred because iron(iii) oxide has similar properties to iron and diatomic oxygen.

d. a chemical reaction did not occur because solid iron cannot chemically react with oxygen gas.

Explanation:

A chemical reaction produces new substances with distinct properties. The table shows iron(III) oxide has different melting points, density, and appearance compared to iron and oxygen. This confirms a new substance formed via a chemical reaction.

Answer:

A. A chemical reaction occurred because iron(III) oxide has different properties than iron and diatomic oxygen.