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)	7.87	0.00143	5.26
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 similar properties to iron and diatomic oxygen.
b. a chemical reaction did not occur because solid iron cannot chemically react with oxygen gas.
c. a chemical reaction occurred because iron(iii) oxide has different properties than iron and diatomic oxygen.
d. a chemical reaction did not occur because iron(iii) oxide is not a new substance.

Explanation:

In a chemical reaction, new substances with different properties are formed. Iron(III) oxide has different melting points, densities, and appearances compared to iron and oxygen. This indicates a chemical reaction occurred.

Answer:

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