Question

Why is the test you completed in this activity considered a presumptive test?

Option 1: Because it provides conclusive results.
Option 2: Due to its ability to confirm specific substances.
Option 3: It offers a preliminary indication but requires further confirmation.
Option 4: As it directly identifies the presence of a particular element.

Answer 1

The test is considered presumptive because it provides a preliminary indication of a substance's presence but requires further testing for confirmation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The test you completed in this activity is considered a presumptive test because Option 3: It offers a preliminary indication but requires further confirmation. A presumptive test is typically used in the initial stages of investigation to identify the presence of certain substances, but it cannot conclusively confirm their specific identity. Instead, these tests suggest what might be present based on certain characteristics or reactions observed. For instance, phenotypic methods in microbiology use visual and metabolic characteristics to presume what type of bacteria might be present, but a definitive identification often requires more precise techniques such as DNA analysis.