To determine the identity of the unknown solid based on its melting point, I will compare the observed melting point with the melting points of various known substances.
1. The observed melting point of the unknown solid is approximately 29°C.
2. Here are the given melting points for various substances:
- Copper: [tex]\(1085^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Lead: [tex]\(327.5^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Mercury: [tex]\(-38.6^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Tin: [tex]\(232^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
- Gallium: [tex]\(29.78^{\circ} C\)[/tex]
3. Comparing the observed melting point of 29°C with the melting points of the given substances, let's see which one is the closest:
- Copper (1085°C): The melting point of copper is much higher than 29°C.
- Lead (327.5°C): The melting point of lead is also significantly higher than 29°C.
- Mercury (-38.6°C): The melting point of mercury is lower than 29°C, by a large margin.
- Tin (232°C): The melting point of tin is higher than 29°C, but not closely matching it.
- Gallium (29.78°C): The melting point of gallium is very close to the observed melting point of 29°C.
4. Based on this comparison, gallium, with its melting point of [tex]\(29.78^{\circ} C\)[/tex], is the substance whose melting point is closest to the observed melting point of the unknown solid.
Therefore, the metal is most likely gallium.
