Question

can you use melting point to determine the identity of an unknown solid? the metal is observed to begin to melt when the temperature of its container is approximately 29°c. the metal is most likely dropdown. done
substance | melting point
copper | 1,085°c
lead | 327.5°c
mercury | -38.6°c
tin | 232°c
gallium | 29.78°c

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the melting point data

We have the melting points of different substances: copper (1085°C), lead (327.5°C), mercury (-38.6°C), tin (232°C), gallium (29.78°C). The unknown metal begins to melt at approximately 29°C.

Step2: Compare the observed melting point with the data

We compare 29°C with the given melting points. The melting point of gallium is 29.78°C, which is very close to 29°C. The other substances have melting points that are significantly different from 29°C.

Answer:

gallium