. The diagram above shows the repeating groups of atoms that make up two samples. Both samples are liquid at room temperature. Will the properties of the two samples likely be the same or different? (Examples of properties are smell, color, and the temperature at which a substance melts.)

Responses

a
The properties will likely be the same because the repeating groups of atoms that make up the two samples have the same types of atoms.
The properties will likely be the same because the repeating groups of atoms that make up the two samples have the same types of atoms.

b
The properties will likely be the same because both samples are liquids at room temperature.
The properties will likely be the same because both samples are liquids at room temperature.

c
The properties will likely be different because the repeating groups of atoms that make up the two samples have different numbers of atoms.
The properties will likely be different because the repeating groups of atoms that make up the two samples have different numbers of atoms.

d
The properties will likely be different because there are more repeating groups of atoms in Sample 1.
The properties will likely be different because there are more repeating groups of atoms in Sample 1.

1 answer

To determine whether the properties of the two samples are likely to be the same or different based on the information given, we need to consider both the atomic composition and the molecular structure of the samples.

  • Response a states that the properties will likely be the same because the repeating groups of atoms are made up of the same types of atoms. This response is plausible only if the arrangement of those atoms is also similar, as different arrangements (isomers) can lead to different properties, even with the same types of atoms.

  • Response b suggests that the properties will likely be the same simply because both samples are liquids at room temperature. While being in the same physical state can imply some similarities, it does not automatically guarantee that their chemical properties will be the same.

  • Response c posits that the properties will likely be different because the repeating groups of atoms have different numbers of atoms. This is a valid point; differences in molecular size and composition can lead to significant differences in properties.

  • Response d claims that the properties will likely be different because there are more repeating groups of atoms in Sample 1. While the number of repeating units can influence properties, this reasoning alone does not provide enough context to conclude a difference without knowing the actual composition and structure of the groups.

Given these considerations, Response c is the most scientifically accurate choice. It highlights that the difference in the number of atoms in the repeating units can lead to different properties, which aligns with how molecular structure affects a substance's characteristics. Thus, the properties of the two samples will likely be different.