To determine which statement best explains the observations regarding the diffusion of food coloring in two water samples, we need to consider the relationship between temperature and the movement of water molecules.
If the food coloring spreads more quickly in one of the samples, it suggests that the water molecules in that sample are moving more rapidly, which generally indicates a higher temperature. Therefore, if sample 2 shows faster diffusion of food coloring compared to sample 1, it implies that the temperature of sample 2 is higher or that its water molecules are moving faster.
Given the options, the statement that best explains the observations is:
The temperature of sample 2 is higher.
This conclusion is drawn from the understanding that the rate of diffusion of food coloring into water is influenced by the kinetic energy of the water molecules, which is directly related to temperature.