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?

Answer 1

I disagree. Carbon is not a group 18 element. This is incorrect because elements closer to the top of the group are less reactive than those at the bottom of the group. Group 18 elements are noble gases and carbon, a group 14 element, is a non metal.