Question

this is a dish containing iron(iii) chloride. iron(iii) chloride is used to treat sewage and to purify water. it cannot be separated into its components using physical techniques. however, when electricity is applied to molten iron(iii) chloride, it decomposes to form iron metal and chlorine gas. describe and classify iron(iii) chloride. iron(iii) chloride is composed of only one type of ion and cannot be chemically decomposed, so it is an element. iron(iii) chloride is composed of two or more different ions in a fixed ratio and can be chemically decomposed, so it is a compound. iron(iii) chloride is composed of two or more substances that can be physically separated and are evenly distributed, so it is a homogeneous mixture. iron(iii) chloride is composed of two or more substances that can be physically separated but are not evenly distributed, so it is a heterogeneous mixture.

Explanation:

A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. Iron(III) chloride (\(FeCl_3\)) is composed of iron (\(Fe^{3 +}\)) and chloride (\(Cl^-\)) ions in a fixed ratio. It cannot be separated into its components using physical techniques, but it can be decomposed chemically (as shown by its decomposition when electricity is applied to molten iron(III) chloride to form iron metal and chlorine gas). An element is composed of only one type of atom and cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by chemical means. A homogeneous mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are evenly distributed and can be separated by physical means. A heterogeneous mixture is a combination of two or more substances that are not evenly distributed and can be separated by physical means. Since iron(III) chloride is composed of two or more different ions in a fixed ratio and can be chemically decomposed, it fits the definition of a compound.

Answer:

Iron(III) chloride is composed of two or more different ions in a fixed ratio and can be chemically decomposed, so it is a compound.