Is the burn_address() function equivalent to the zero address in Compact/Midnight?

I am new to Midnight and learning Compact, and want to know more about the burn_address() function and what it means. Is it equivalent to the zero address? If so, is it guaranteed that this function will always return the zero address?

• Is the burn_address() function equivalent to the zero address?

Yes, it is!

• Is it guaranteed that this function will always return the zero address?

Essentially yes, aside from possible API changes, which may cause a rename.