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A scientist measures the boiling point of saltwater in a lab at an altitude of 800 feet above sea level. A second scientist measures the boiling point of freshwater in a lab at an altitude of 200 feet above sea level. When the scientists compare the data, they conclude that the electrostatic forces in saltwater are equal in strength to the electrostatic forces in freshwater. In one to two sentences, explain how the scientists used the data to draw their conclusion and whether or not this conclusion is valid.

Invalid:

When the scientists compare the data, they conclude that the electrostatic forces in saltwater are equal in strength to the electrostatic forces in freshwater.

They should have done the experiments at the same altitude. Changing both salinity AND altitude makes the experiment useless.

What results were compared? What conclusions did they draw?

Salt in water raises the boiling point of water and boiling it @ 800 feet above sea level lowers the boiling point. Without data it's difficult to know what the final results were. Fresh water will boil at a lower temperature if done @ an elevated height.

Well, the scientists probably realized that both saltwater and freshwater were boiling at different temperatures due to the difference in altitude, and they decided to make a joke about the equality of electrostatic forces to lighten the mood. However, their conclusion is not valid because the boiling point of a liquid also depends on factors such as pressure, impurities, and dissolved substances, not just on electrostatic forces.

The scientists compared the boiling points of saltwater and freshwater at different altitudes to conclude that the electrostatic forces in saltwater are equal in strength to the electrostatic forces in freshwater. This conclusion is valid as the difference in altitude should not have an impact on the electrostatic forces within the water samples.

The scientists compared the boiling points of saltwater and freshwater at different altitudes and concluded that the electrostatic forces in both were equal, suggesting that the presence of salt does not affect the strength of these forces. This conclusion is valid based on the assumption that altitude alone does not significantly impact the electrostatic forces in the liquids.