Question

A scientist has samples of both nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2). Both of these substances are odorless, colorless gases at room temperature. The scientist places the samples into a closed flask and heats the flask. A colorless gas that has a strong odor forms. Which of these best describes what happened?'

A.
A mixture formed when nitrogen and hydrogen combined.
B.
A pure substance that is chemically identical to both nitrogen and oxygen formed.
C.
A new compound formed when nitrogen and hydrogen chemically reacted.
D.
A new element formed when oxygen and nitrogen atoms turned into new kinds of atoms.

Answer 1

Answer: C.  A new compound formed when nitrogen and hydrogen chemically reacted.

Explanation:

Due to the temperature increase, the atoms of both Nitrogen and Hydrogen reacted chemically with one another and formed a new compound which was still colorless but now had a strong odor as well.

This new compound is known as Ammonia with the chemical composition NH₃. It is formed when Hydrogen and Nitrogen react chemically. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a sharp strong odor.