Question

A scientist measures the boiling point of saltwater in a lab at an altitude of 800 feet above sea level. A second scientist measures the boiling point of freshwater in a lab at an altitude of 200 feet above sea level. When the scientists compare the data, they conclude that the electrostatic forces in saltwater are equal in strength to the electrostatic forces in freshwater. In one to two sentences, explain how the scientists used the data to draw their conclusion and whether or not this conclusion is valid.

Answer 1

What results were compared? What conclusions did they draw?

Salt in water raises the boiling point of water and boiling it @ 800 feet above sea level lowers the boiling point. Without data it's difficult to know what the final results were. Fresh water will boil at a lower temperature if done @ an elevated height.

Answer 2

Invalid:

When the scientists compare the data, they conclude that the electrostatic forces in saltwater are equal in strength to the electrostatic forces in freshwater.

They should have done the experiments at the same altitude. Changing both salinity AND altitude makes the experiment useless.