Question

eliot is given a sample of unknown liquid to test in the laboratory. eliot thinks that the liquid is water, but he isn’t sure. which of the following would be most helpful for eliot to test in order to determine whether or not the liquid is water?
a \tboiling point of the liquid

b \tcolor of the liquid

c \tmass of the liquid

d \tvolume of the liquid

Explanation:

To determine if a liquid is water, a characteristic property (a property that is unique to a substance and doesn't depend on the amount or appearance) is needed. The boiling point of water is a characteristic property (100°C at standard pressure). The color of a liquid (option b) can be the same for many liquids (e.g., many clear liquids are colorless). The mass (option c) and volume (option d) depend on the amount of the liquid, so they are not characteristic properties to identify a substance. The boiling point is a better test to identify water.

Answer:

a. boiling point of the liquid