Chapter U4.16, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The use of mass to determine if a sample of water is contaminated or not must be explained.

Concept introduction:

Mass of water sample can be found from the density and volume of the water at a particular temperature.

Answer to Problem 1E

Mass can be used to determine if a sample of water is contaminated or not.

Explanation of Solution

Density of water at 4°C is 1 g/cc. The density decreases with increase of temperature. So if a water sample is analyzed for mass then volume and density of water can be used.

Mass is related to volume as follows:

  $m=V\times d$

Here, m, V and d are mass, volume and density of water.

If the calculated value is more than expected then it would be understood that the water sample is contaminated.

Conclusion

If higher mass of water sample is observed than expected, then the water sample is contaminated.