Yes, you can use the melting point to help determine the identity of an unknown solid. Here's a detailed, step-by-step approach:
1. Observation of Melting Point:
- Suppose the unknown solid begins to melt at the temperature observed in its container.
2. Compare with Known Substances:
- Next, compare the melting point of the unknown solid with the melting points of known substances provided in the table. The table lists the melting points of several substances:
- Copper: [tex]\( 1,085^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex]
- Lead: [tex]\( 327.5^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex]
- Mercury: [tex]\( -38.6^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex]
- Tin: [tex]\( 232^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex]
- Gallium: [tex]\( 29.78^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex]
3. Match the Melting Point:
- Check which melting point in the table is closest to the observed melting point of the unknown solid. For example:
- If the observed melting point is about [tex]\( 29.78^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex], the unknown solid is likely Gallium.
- If the observed melting point is about [tex]\( 327.5^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex], the unknown solid is likely Lead.
- If the observed melting point is about [tex]\( 232^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex], the unknown solid is likely Tin.
- If the observed melting point is about [tex]\( -38.6^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex], the unknown solid is likely Mercury.
- If the observed melting point is about [tex]\( 1,085^\circ \text{C} \)[/tex], the unknown solid is likely Copper.
By following these steps, you can use the melting point as a property to help identify the unknown solid by comparing it to known substances in the list.
