Question

6 multiple choice 1 point why is methanol initially chosen over water as the primary solvent in this experiment? water cannot dissolve naphthalene at any temperature. methanol is non - toxic and preferred for safety reasons. methanol has a lower polarity than water, enhancing naphthalene solubility at high temperatures. methanol has a higher boiling point than water, preventing premature boiling.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Water can dissolve some substances, but naphthalene is non - polar and water is polar. However, the statement "Water cannot dissolve naphthalene at any temperature" is too absolute. But let's check other options.
2. Analyze Option 2: Methanol is toxic, so this option is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: Naphthalene is non - polar. Methanol is less polar than water. According to the principle of "like dissolves like", a less polar solvent (methanol) will dissolve a non - polar solute (naphthalene) better, especially at high temperatures where solubility generally increases. This option is consistent with solubility principles.
4. Analyze Option 4: The boiling point of methanol (around 64.7°C) is lower than that of water (100°C), so this option is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Methanol has a lower polarity than water, enhancing naphthalene solubility at high temperatures. (Here we assume the options are labeled A, B, C, D in order. If the original labels are different, adjust accordingly. But based on the content, the correct option is the one stating "Methanol has a lower polarity than water, enhancing naphthalene solubility at high temperatures".)