Q. 2.92 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

A graduated cylinder contains three liquids $A. B, and C$, which have different densities and do not mix: mercury $(D=13.6 g / mL)$. vegetable oil $(D=0.92 g / mL)$, and water $(D=1,00 g/mL)$. Identify the liquids $A,B and C$ in the cylinder. (2.7)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Liquid $A$ is identified as Vegetable oil, $B$ is identified as Water and $C$ is identified as Mercury

Step 1 : Introduction

The given is the picture of a container that has three liquids $A, B and C$

The objective is to identify the liquids based on their densities

Step 2 : Explanation

The mass divided by the volume equals density. This is how it's defined:

$Density=\frac{mass}{volume}$Density  

In other words, the higher the density, the lower the volume. The densest element is mercury ($13.6 g/mL$) It will have the smallest volume. Because vegetable oil has the lowest density$0.92 g/mL$, it has the maximum volume. Water has a lower density than mercury $13.6 g/mL$ and a higher density than vegetable oil $0.92 g/mL$, hence water will have a bigger volume than mercury and a lower volume than vegetable oil. The following is a representation of the figure:

Step 2

Because liquid $A$ has the maximum volume, vegetable oil will be used. Because liquid $C$ has the smallest volume, it will be mercury. Because liquid $B$ has the same volume as liquids $A$ and $C$, it will be water.