Two (2) elemental solids "A" and "B" - presumed pure - are combined in the following manner. Equal amounts (masses) are carefully weighed out - placed into a clean and dry crucible open to the air and carefully heated for a while. As the heating is taking place, an odor is noticed that was not present previously. The ingredients are heated until - upon inspection - the original elemental solids are no longer present and a single solid substance - "C" - is formed of color and texture that is different from the original ingredients. The amount (mass) of C is carefully determined.

Which of the following is probably true?

  1. C contains an equal mass of A and of B.
  2. The volume occupied by C is equal to the combined volume of A and of B.
  3. The simplest chemical formula of C is AB.
  4. The mass of C should be less than the combined mass of A and of B.
  5. None of the above.

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