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A sample of an unknown substance has a volume that is independent of its container. Which additional information is needed to determine the state of the sample?

A. whether the sample conducts electricity
B. the density of the sample
C. whether the sample has a fixed shape
D. the mass of the sample

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The additional information needed to determine the state of the sample is whether the sample has a fixed shape. If the sample has a fixed shape, it is a solid. If the sample does not have a fixed shape, it could be a liquid or a gas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The additional information needed to determine the state of the sample is C. whether the sample has a fixed shape. Knowing whether the sample has a fixed shape is important because it distinguishes between the states of matter. If the sample has a fixed shape, it is a solid. If the sample does not have a fixed shape, it could be a liquid or a gas. For example, water has a fixed volume (it takes the shape of the container), but it does not have a fixed shape (it can be poured into different containers).

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