Final answer:
Water is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless liquid that's a universal solvent, while rubbing alcohol typically refers to isopropyl or denatured ethanol, used as a disinfectant. Rubbing alcohol is flammable, evaporates quickly, and has a lower boiling point than water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing and contrasting water and rubbing alcohol uncovers distinct differences and similarities between the two substances. Here are five properties of each:
- Water: It is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless liquid at room temperature. Its chemical formula is H2O.
- Water has a high specific heat capacity which means it can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature increases significantly.
- Water has a boiling point of 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure.
- Water is a universal solvent, meaning many substances dissolve well in it due to its polar nature.
- Water does not burn and is used to extinguish fires.
- Rubbing alcohol: This could refer to either isopropyl alcohol or ethanol with added denaturants. It is typically used as a disinfectant.
- Rubbing alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, with isopropyl alcohol boiling around 82.6°C (180.7°F).
- Rubbing alcohol can act as a solvent but is not as universal as water due to its less polar nature.
- It is flammable, posing a fire risk, thus it is used in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation hazards.
- Rubbing alcohol is also used externally, as it can be toxic when ingested.
Disinfectants like rubbing alcohol have several advantages: they evaporate quickly, leaving no residue, are broad-spectrum antimicrobials, and can be used on the skin.
They are found in products like hand sanitizers, wipes, and antiseptic sprays.
On the other hand, water does not possess antimicrobial properties without additional agents and is primarily used for hydration, cleaning, cooking, and industrial applications.