Question

use the densities shown on the table to answer the question.
substance | density(g/ml)
water (at 4.0°c) | 1.000
gasoline | 0.68
mercury | 13.595
suppose that 10 ml of each of three liquids—water, gasoline, and mercury—were placed in a test tube. the liquids do not mix with one another. what is the order of the three layers that form from top to bottom?
a) water, gasoline, mercury
b) water, mercury, gasoline
c) gasoline, water, mercury
d) mercury, water, gasoline

Explanation:

1. Recall the principle: When liquids do not mix, the less dense liquid floats on top of the denser one.
2. Compare the densities from the table:

• Density of gasoline: \(0.68\) g/mL.
• Density of water: \(1.000\) g/mL.
• Density of mercury: \(13.595\) g/mL.

1. Order by density (from least to most dense): Gasoline (\(0.68\)) < Water (\(1.000\)) < Mercury (\(13.595\)).
2. So the top layer (least dense) is gasoline, middle is water, bottom (most dense) is mercury.

Answer:

C) gasoline, water, mercury