Chapter 1, Problem 1.13E

A sample of solid elemental phosphorus that is deep red in color is burned. While the phosphorus is burning, a white smoke is produced that is actually a finely divided solid that is collected.

a. Have the molecules of phosphorus been changed by the process of burning? Explain your answer.

b. Is the collected white solid a different substance from the phosphorus? Explain you answer.

c. In terms of the number of atoms contained, how do you think the size of the molecules of the white solid compares with the size of the molecules of phosphorus? Explain your answer.

d. Classify molecules of the collected white solid using the term homotatomic or heteroatomic. Explain your reasoning.