Some researchers have hypothesized that there could be trace metals in sea water. To test this hypothesis, they collect samples of sea water. What will they MOST likely do with samples after they are collected?
A: use a hydrometer to measure salinity
B: use water litmus paper to determine the acidity
C: use a turbidity meter to calculate light transmission
D: use an atomic absorption spectrometer to detect elements and compounds
D: use an atomic absorption spectrometer to detect elements and compounds
D: use an atomic absorption spectrometer to detect elements and compounds
To test the hypothesis that there could be trace metals in sea water, researchers will most likely use an atomic absorption spectrometer (option D) to detect elements and compounds in the collected samples.
Explaining how they arrive at this answer:
A hydrometer is a device used to measure the specific gravity or density of a liquid, such as salinity in the case of sea water. While salinity measurement is important in oceanography, it is not directly related to testing the hypothesis of trace metals in sea water (option A).
Water litmus paper is used to determine the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of a solution. While pH is a crucial parameter in studying water quality, it does not directly measure the presence of trace metals in sea water (option B).
A turbidity meter measures the clarity or cloudiness of a liquid by calculating light transmission through it. Turbidity meters are useful for assessing water quality or detecting suspended particles, but they do not specifically detect trace metals (option C).
An atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) is a highly specialized analytical instrument used to detect the presence and concentration of elements and compounds, including trace metals. AAS works by exposing a sample to light and analyzing the absorption pattern, allowing researchers to identify and quantify the presence of trace metals in sea water (option D).