Question

A student tested a sample of carbon (C) by combining it with water. There was no reaction between the carbon and water. The student concluded that carbon must be a group 18 element, since it was unreactive. State whether you agree with the student's reasoning, and explain why or why not.

Answer 1

No. Just because carbon did not react with water, does not mean it wouldn't react with a different compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer is B. I took the test.

Answer 2

I disagree with the student's reasoning. Just because the carbon doesn't react with water doesn't mean the carbon cannot react at all. Carbon actually burns in pure oxygen and forms a variety of compounds with other elements.