Final answer:
To investigate if a chemical reaction occurred when mixing two liquids, the student should determine the mass of the reactants, observe any changes when the solutions are mixed, and write down a balanced equation for the reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to investigate if a chemical reaction occurred when two liquids were mixed, the student should include the following steps in her investigation:
- Determine the mass of each of the reactants.
- Add solution 1 to solution 2 and observe any changes. Look for factors such as temperature changes, light given off, unexpected color changes, or the formation of bubbles.
- Write down a balanced equation for the reaction that took place when the two solutions were mixed.
These steps will help the student identify whether a chemical reaction occurred based on observable evidence.