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.

I'm really back and forth on this one.

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.

I'm really back and forth on this one.

thomaster · Answer

Well do you agree? or not

anonymous · Answer

At first I agreed but then some research got me confused and it's all in between :/

thomaster · Answer

Do you know what group 18 elements are?

anonymous · Answer

If i remember right noble gas?

anonymous · Answer

But those are unreactive

thomaster · Answer

Yes, we all know carbon is not a noble gas, they're not very reactive, but that doesn't mean when carbon doesn't react, it's a noble gas.

When you swim in a pool, you don't react with the water. does that mean you're made of noble gasses?

anonymous · Answer

No lol

thomaster · Answer

well that's why we don't agree with this students reasoning :)

anonymous · Answer

So why doesn't it form hydrogen bonds?

anonymous · Answer

Why is it unreactive to the water the student put it in?

thomaster · Answer

Because carbon is a stable element.

thomaster · Answer

If you want to make carbon react with water, you'd need to increase the temperature (alot)

anonymous · Answer

Ok thanks :)

thomaster · Answer

No problem c: