Final answer:
Identifying elements by placing them in water can be informative due to unique reactivity patterns but it is not universally safe or effective. Option (d) 'It depends on the specific elements and safety precautions taken,' correctly suggests caution and the need for using the appropriate method for each element's characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether placing elements in water to identify them is a good approach depends on several factors. While it is true that elements can react uniquely with water, and these reactions can sometimes help identify them, option (d), 'It depends on the specific elements and safety precautions taken,' is the most accurate answer. Elements like sodium have a violent reaction with water, which can be dangerous to observe without proper safety measures. In contrast, elements like silver exhibit almost no reactivity with water, thus making this method ineffective for identification.
Chemists and students in chemistry class must take into account the reactivity of elements and follow strict safety protocols when handling such experiments. There are safer ways to identify elements, such as spectroscopic analysis or using reagents specifically designed for identifying certain ions or compounds. Additionally, understanding the periodic trends and the properties of groups of elements can aid in the prediction of their reactivity without the need for risky experimental procedures.