some students obatain a solid as a result of an experiment. they find that the solid has a fixed melting point and boiling point and that it has a uniform density. they conclude that they have discovered a new substance. is the conclusion justified? defend yourself..
2006-07-19 23:26:30 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The conclusion is not justified since there is no causal link between the observed data and the conclusion.
Many known compounds have fixed melting and boiling points and uniform density, thus the obtained solid does not show any unusual property so as to be claimed new.
However in case the exact values of the melting and boiling points and the density do not match with those of any known substance, then we have a strong reason for the conclusion. But to be sure, we need additional identifying data such as spectroscopic results, chemical and physical structure, etc.
2006-07-20 01:07:46 · answer #1 · answered by Sourabh 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like it could be the result of an experiment where two liquids are mixed and a solid precipitates out. If the solid you mention was not present at the beginning of the experiment, then the fixed melting point and boiling point, and the uniform density, strongly suggest your experiment has rearranged some atoms to form a compound that was not present at the beginning of the experiment. Compounds have fixed melting points, fixed boiling points, and a uniform density.
2006-07-20 21:45:00 · answer #2 · answered by rb42redsuns 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Don't post your homework on Yahoo Answers. If you must post your homework, don't add the 'discuss' or 'explain' or 'defend yourself' at the end.
2. Maybe 500 years ago that sort of 'proof' would fly, but these days would require several more tests for anyone to take you seriously. If the facts presented are indeed true, and not the result of experimental error, it may indeed be a new compound, but further tests should be conducted to determine the nature of the compound. At the very minimum, elemental analysis to determine the empirical formula, and molecular weight determination. Then you could go on to your fancy spectroscopy (whichever type suits the compound) then present the scientific community with your findings and politely ask for your Nobel prize.
2006-07-20 07:49:05 · answer #3 · answered by tgypoi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pure substances do have fixed melting/boiling points.
How did they find that it has uniform density?
Looks like a pure substance but that doesn't mean it is "new" ie it has not been isolated before. There are several tests to find out what your substance is (chemical, spectroscopical, etc)
2006-07-20 07:03:14 · answer #4 · answered by bellerophon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To find if they have just found a new substance you gotta first find out if anyone has seen that substance before then do a whole bunch of fun tests on the substance.
(I have no idea if this helps cause i just started highschool and im learning squat about that kinda stuff but i hear thats what they ussually do)
2006-07-20 06:34:22 · answer #5 · answered by Ruth F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They may possibly discovered new substance...why not...
but the justification is not correct, some more experiments are to be carried out before declaring....
2006-07-20 07:47:03 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not without a literature search to back it up. it's possible, but not probable. spend time in the library and on the web. also you need composition data if you want to publish this stuff. being that they're students i doubt they found something new.
2006-07-20 13:58:22 · answer #7 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the conclusion isn't justified.
They're students.
2006-07-20 06:30:45 · answer #8 · answered by Warrior 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no solid can be melted. If there is solid can be melted then those r not solids.
2006-07-20 06:34:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No!! I think they have made some ice-cubes in the freezer.
2006-07-20 07:59:35 · answer #10 · answered by kulkarnidg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋