Question

During an experiment, iron powder and sulfur powder were mixed thoroughly and placed on a filter paper. When a magnet was moved below the filter paper, the iron fillings stood up vertically as they were attracted by the magnet. The sulfur powder showed no change in position. Which of the following correctly justifies the observation?

Iron and sulfur formed a compound; therefore, they lost their individual properties.
Iron and sulfur formed a compound; therefore, they retained their individual properties.
Iron powder and sulfur powder combined physically; therefore, they lost their individual properties.
Iron powder and sulfur powder combined physically; therefore, they retained their individual properties.

Answer 1

The answer is the black mass is a mixture and no longer retains the properties of iron.

First, iron powder and sulfur powder are different chemicals thus they are mixtures—not a pure substance.

Second, normally, iron is attracted to magnet. But in this case, because the magnet dis not attract the black mass then it means that the properties of iron is not retained or lost.

Answer 2

Iron and sulfur formed a compound; therefore, they lost their individual properties.