An unknown liquid is added to a beaker of water. After a few minutes you discover that unknown liquid is floating on top of the water in a separate layer. Explain what type of compound the unknown liquid is, and how you know.

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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1.  An unknown liquid is added to a beaker of water. After a few minutes you discover that unknown liquid is floating on top of the water in a separate layer. Explain what type of compound the unknown liquid is, and how you know?

**Text for Educational Website:**

**Situation Analysis:**

An unknown liquid is added to a beaker of water. After a few minutes, you observe that the unknown liquid is floating on top of the water in a separate layer. 

**Task:**

Explain what type of compound the unknown liquid is, and how you know.

**Explanation:**

In this scenario, the unknown liquid forms a distinct layer above the water, indicating that it is less dense than water. Additionally, the separation suggests that the unknown liquid is likely non-polar, as it does not mix with the polar water molecules. Therefore, the unknown liquid is probably a non-polar compound, such as oil.

**Evidence:**

- **Density:** Since the unknown liquid floats, it is less dense than water.
- **Polarity:** The inability to mix with water indicates the liquid is non-polar, as polar and non-polar substances generally do not mix well. 

Understanding these principles helps identify the characteristics of unknown substances in chemical experiments.
Transcribed Image Text:**Text for Educational Website:** **Situation Analysis:** An unknown liquid is added to a beaker of water. After a few minutes, you observe that the unknown liquid is floating on top of the water in a separate layer. **Task:** Explain what type of compound the unknown liquid is, and how you know. **Explanation:** In this scenario, the unknown liquid forms a distinct layer above the water, indicating that it is less dense than water. Additionally, the separation suggests that the unknown liquid is likely non-polar, as it does not mix with the polar water molecules. Therefore, the unknown liquid is probably a non-polar compound, such as oil. **Evidence:** - **Density:** Since the unknown liquid floats, it is less dense than water. - **Polarity:** The inability to mix with water indicates the liquid is non-polar, as polar and non-polar substances generally do not mix well. Understanding these principles helps identify the characteristics of unknown substances in chemical experiments.
Expert Solution
Step 1 Theory

Like dissolves like.

It means polar solvents are miscible in polar solvents and non-polar solvents are miscible in non-polar solvents.

Non-polar solvent are not miscible in polar solvents. Non-polar solvents form a separate layer in polar solvents. 

 

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