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Which item is a pure substance?

a. iced tea
b. sugar
c. a penny
d. ocean water

User Ruthy
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

A water molecule is a pure substance because it has a consistent composition and distinct chemical properties, unlike ocean water, which is a homogeneous mixture.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the items listed - ocean water, a water molecule, hydrogen atom, skin cell, liver, elephant, wolf pack, tropical rainforest, planet Earth - the one that represents a pure substance is a water molecule. A pure substance has a consistent composition and distinct chemical properties. In contrast, ocean water is a homogeneous mixture containing various substances such as salt and water.

Therefore, when identifying a pure substance, one must look for materials that are not mixed with other substances and have a uniform and definite composition. A water molecule, which consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together, is a perfect example of a pure substance because it fits these criteria.

User Eddie Monge Jr
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