Asolid white substance a is heated strongly in the absence of air. it decomposes to form a new white substance b and a gas c. the gas has exactly the same properties as the product obtained when carbon is burned in an excess of oxygen. based on these observations, can we determine whether solids a and b and the gas c are elements or compounds? explain your conclusions for each substance.

Explanation:

The substance which is white in color is heated which give further different products which means that A is composed of different elements and thus A is a combination of elements and is a compound.

The product obtained when carbon is burnt in excess of air is carbon dioxide gas. Since, it is mentioned in the question that gas C has exactly the same properties as carbon dioxide which also suggests that C is also definitely a compound.

It is not very sure about B, whether it is a compound or a element as there is not much information available for B. But, B is likely to be a compound because a very few elements have white color but still it's not sure.