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Browsing Topics / Substances, Chemical Reactions, and Conservation of Matter / A pure substance has characteristic properties, such as density, … /

Item SC061004: Smelling two liquids can help a student determine if the liquids are the same substance.

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A student has two containers. Each container has a clear liquid inside of it. The liquids are pure substances. What can the student do to help find out whether these two liquids are the same or different substances?

  1. Smell each liquid and compare the odors.
  2. Weigh each liquid and compare the weights.
  3. Measure the volume of each liquid and compare the volumes.
  4. Measure the temperature of each liquid and compare the temperatures.

Distribution of Responses

Chart showing distrubtion of responses for Item SC061004

Percent of students responding correctly

Overall31%
Grades 6–829%
Grades 9–1234%
Male32%
Female31%
Primary Language is English32%
Primary Language is not English27%

View data table