Question

Identify an Experimental Design Flaw:

You have observed how energetic the reaction between potassium and water is. Now think about another metal: aluminum. Aluminum atoms have different electronic structures than potassium atoms and therefore react differently with water. If aluminum reacted as vigorously with water as potassium, aluminum foil would not last long in water. If you were asked to design a bicycle and had your choice of a series of metals, describe some of the features or characteristics the metal should have to be used as the material for a bike frame.

A) The ability to react vigorously with water
B) Similar electronic structures to potassium
C) Reactivity with water as a key criterion for metal selection
D) Durability and resistance to water reactions
E) Use of aluminum foil for a bike frame

Answer 1

For a bike frame material, durability and resistance to water reactions are pivotal. Alkaline metals like potassium are too reactive with water, making them unsuitable. Instead, a metal such as aluminum, which has low reactivity with water, is desirable for such applications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When designing a bicycle, certain features or characteristics are essential for the metal used in the bike frame. The metal should have durability and resistance to water reactions, as a bike is often exposed to the elements, including rain. A metal that reacts vigorously with water, like potassium or sodium, is unsuitable because it could lead to rapid deterioration of the bike frame. On the other hand, aluminum has a protective oxide layer that prevents such reactions, making it one of the reasons it's a popular choice for bike frames. Therefore, metals like aluminum are preferred due to their stable electronic structures and low reactivity with water, unlike alkaline metals which are too reactive.

In summary, the material for constructing a bike frame should not have the ability to react vigorously with water (Option A), be similar in electronic structure to potassium (Option B), or have reactivity with water as a key selection criterion (Option C). Instead, it should exhibit durability and a resistance to reactions with water (Option D). Option E, the use of aluminum foil, is clearly not practical for a bike frame due to its lack of structural integrity, despite aluminum being a good material when used appropriately.