Question

the zinc appeared to break down, and a new substance, a gas, appeared to have formed. part d cavendishs name for hydrogen gas was \inflammable air.\ the word inflammable means \to burn.\ (note that in is not a prefix in this word.) why did cavendish use this name?

Explanation:

Hydrogen gas is highly combustible. Cavendish named it "inflammable air" because it can burn when ignited in the presence of oxygen.

Answer:

Cavendish used the name "inflammable air" for hydrogen gas because hydrogen is combustible and can burn.