Question

a student has two samples of nacl, each one from a different source. assume that the only potential contaminant in each sample is kcl. the student runs an experiment to determine the percent by mass of chlorine in each sample. from the results of this experiment alone, which of the following questions is most likely to be answered? a which sample has the higher purity? b which sample has the higher density? c what is the source of the contaminants present in each of the samples? d which sample came from a salt mine, and which sample came from the ocean?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the experiment

The experiment measures the percent - by - mass of chlorine in each sample. Pure NaCl has a fixed percent - by - mass of chlorine. KCl has a different percent - by - mass of chlorine compared to NaCl.

Step2: Relate to purity

A sample with a percent - by - mass of chlorine closer to that of pure NaCl is more likely to be pure, while a deviation from the expected value for pure NaCl indicates the presence of the contaminant KCl.

Step3: Evaluate other options

Density is not related to the percent - by - mass of chlorine measurement. The source of contaminants and the origin of the samples (salt mine or ocean) cannot be determined from just the percent - by - mass of chlorine data.

Answer:

A. Which sample has the higher purity?