Identifying Variable Composition Substances
Substances can be classified based on their composition. Some have a fixed composition, meaning the elements combine in a specific, unchanging ratio. Others have a variable composition, where the proportions of the components can change.
Analyzing the Options
- Brass: This is an alloy, primarily made of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The proportions of copper and zinc can be adjusted, resulting in different types of brass with varying properties. Therefore, brass has a variable composition.
- Water: Chemically represented as H2O, water is a compound. It always consists of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a fixed ratio of 2:1.
- Hydrogen chloride: Chemically represented as HCl, this is a compound formed by the fixed combination of hydrogen and chlorine atoms in a 1:1 ratio.
- Methane: Chemically represented as CH4, methane is a compound composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms in a fixed ratio of 1:4.
Conclusion on Composition
Based on the analysis, only brass among the given options exhibits variable composition because it is an alloy whose components can be mixed in different proportions.
Important Questions from Chemistry
Common salt (NaCl) is not used as a raw material for preparation of which one of the following compounds?
Which one of the following is the chemical formula of Hypobromous acid?
Which one of the following is not used as a raw material in the manufacture of glass?
Which one of the following statements about dihydrogen (H 2) is not correct?
Reaction of quick lime (CaO) with water to produce slaked lime (Ca(OH) 2) is an example of
