Question

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when olive oil and sodium hydroxide are mixed together, soap and glycerol are made. the solubility of each of the materials are shown in the table below.

material	olive oil	sodium hydroxide	soap	glycerol

what is the best conclusion, based on the information given?
a. this is not a chemical reaction because all of the materials mixed can be dissolved in water, and dissolving is a physical change.
b. this is not a chemical reaction because all of the materials are liquids and can be completely dissolved in water.
c. this is a chemical reaction because all of the materials are liquids and can be combined with water to produce a mixture.
d. this is a chemical reaction because the materials that were mixed have different solubilities than the materials that were made.

Explanation:

A chemical reaction results in the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. Here, olive - oil and sodium hydroxide react to form soap and glycerol, which are new substances. Just because materials can be dissolved in water does not mean it's not a chemical reaction. Dissolving is a physical change, but the formation of new substances (soap and glycerol) indicates a chemical reaction.

Answer:

C. This is a chemical reaction because new substances (soap and glycerol) are made.