Answer: A persistent or non-volatile chemical agent can remain on a surface for more than 24 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-volatile substance is defined as the one which does not readily evaporate into its surrounding. Generally, a non-volatile substance has strong intermolecular forces between its molecules.
A non-volatile substance will take more than 24 hours to remain on the surface.
On the other hand, a substance with weak intermolecular forces present in its molecules will readily evaporate into the atmosphere.
For example, acetic acid is a volatile substance and quickly evaporates into the atmosphere.
Thus, we can conclude that a persistent or non-volatile chemical agent can remain on a surface for more than 24 hours.