Chapter 15, Problem 3RAT

Someone argues that he or she doesn’t drink tap water because it contains thousands of impure atoms in each glass. How would you respond in defence of the water’s purity, if it indeed does contain thousands of atoms of some impurity per glass?

(a) Impurities aren’t necessarily bad; in fact, they may be good for you.

(b) The water contains water molecule each of which is pure.

(c) There’s no defence. If water contains impurities, it should not be drunk.

(d) Compared to the billions and billions of water molecules, a thousand atom of something else is practically nothing.

To determine

The correct option for the statement “Someone argues that he or she doesn’t drink tap water because it contains thousands of impure atoms in each glass. How would you respond in defence of the water’s purity, if it indeed does contain thousands of atoms of some impurity per glass?”

Answer to Problem 3RAT

The correct option for the statement “Someone argues that he or she doesn’t drink tap water because it contains thousands of impure atoms in each glass. How would you respond in defence of the water’s purity, if it indeed does contain thousands of atoms of some impurity per glass?” is option (d).

Explanation of Solution

Water molecule is a mixture of two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule. About $70\%$ of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, but that cannot be used for drinking purpose because it contains salt in high amount.

One glass of tap water contains billions and billions of water molecules, so thousands of impurity in one glass is nothing in comparison to the billions of water molecules, and if someone drinks this water then it may not cause any harmful effect on it. This water is suitable for drinking purpose. Therefore, thousands of impurity present in one glass of tap water does not make water impure.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “Someone argues that he or she doesn’t drink tap water because it contains thousands of impure atoms in each glass. How would you respond in defence of the water’s purity, if it indeed does contain thousands of atoms of some impurity per glass?” is option (d).