1x A student is given a sample of an unknown liquid to test in a lab investigation. The student thinks that the liquid is water. Which of the following physical properties of the sample is most helpful to determine if the liquid is water?

Question

The boiling point of the liquid

The mass of the liquid
4x

The color of the liquid

D
The smell and taste of the liquid

Answer 1

The physical property that is most helpful to determine if the liquid is water is the boiling point of the liquid.

Water has a specific boiling point of 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. Testing the boiling point will provide a clear indication of whether the liquid is water, as other liquids may have significantly different boiling points.

While the mass, color, and smell/taste of the liquid may provide some information, they are not definitive indicators of whether the liquid is water.