Question

If a solid contains some particles that melt at 50°C and other particles that melt at 110°C, what must be true about the solid?

Answer 1

A solid with particles that melt at different temperatures indicates that the solid is a mixture of substances with different melting points.

Step-by-step explanation:

A solid with particles that melt at different temperatures indicates that the solid is a mixture of substances with different melting points. The different particles in the solid have different chemical compositions or structures that cause them to melt at different temperatures.

For example, consider a mixture of salt (NaCl) and sugar (C12H22O11) particles. Salt has a melting point of 801°C, while sugar has a melting point of 186-186.5°C. Therefore, if a solid contains both salt and sugar particles, it must be true that the solid is a mixture of substances with different melting points.

Another example is a mixture of ice (solid H₂O) and wax (a mixture of long-chain hydrocarbons). Ice melts at 0°C, while the melting point of wax varies depending on its composition. Therefore, if a solid contains both ice and wax particles, it must be true that the solid is a mixture of substances with different melting points.

Answer 2

If a solid contains some particles that melt at 50 degrees Celsius and other particles that melt at 110 degrees Celcius, the solid's actual melting point temperature must be near the higher melting point for the solid to be fully melted. It might start to melt at 50 - 110 degrees.