A student is given a sample of an unknown liquid to test in the laboratory. The student thinks that the liquid is water. Which of the following properties of the sample is most helpful to determine if the liquid is water?
A. color of the liquid
B. mass of the liquid
C. volume of the liquid
D. boiling point of the liquid
what do you think and why?
joe
D. boiling point of the liquid.
The boiling point of water is a unique and well-known property. It boils at 100 degrees Celsius (at sea level) or 212 degrees Fahrenheit. If the unknown liquid in question reaches its boiling point at approximately 100 degrees Celsius (or 212 degrees Fahrenheit), it is more likely to be water. Other liquids have different boiling points, so comparing the boiling point of the unknown liquid to that of water can help determine its identity.
To determine if the unknown liquid is water, the most helpful property to consider is the boiling point of the liquid (option D). Here's why:
1. Color of the liquid (option A): The color of the liquid alone is not a definitive characteristic of water. Water can appear clear, but it can also have a color if impurities are present. Therefore, relying solely on the color is not an accurate way to determine if the liquid is water.
2. Mass of the liquid (option B): The mass of the liquid can provide information about its density, but it doesn't directly indicate if the liquid is water. Different liquids can have similar masses, so measuring the mass alone is not enough to determine if it is water.
3. Volume of the liquid (option C): Similar to the mass, the volume of the liquid also does not directly indicate if the liquid is water. Different liquids can have similar volumes, so measuring the volume alone is not sufficient for identification.
4. Boiling point of the liquid (option D): The boiling point refers to the temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas. Water has a relatively well-known boiling point, which is 100 degrees Celsius (at sea level). By measuring the boiling point of the liquid, you can compare it to the boiling point of water to determine if the sample matches. If the unknown liquid's boiling point is close to 100 degrees Celsius, it is likely water.
Therefore, among the given options, the boiling point of the liquid (option D) is the most helpful property to determine if the liquid is water.