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Chapter 1: Problem 17

Compare the physical and chemical properties of salt and sugar. What properties do they share? Which properties could you use to distinguish between salt and sugar?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Salt and sugar, both are crystalline, solid in state and are white in color. However, salt can be distinguished from sugar by taste as salt is salty and sugar is sweet. Additionally, salt breaks down into ions in water, while sugar doesn't dissociate but can be broken down into glucose and fructose using certain enzymes.

Step by step solution

01

Listing down the physical properties of salt and sugar

Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the composition. For both salt and sugar, note down properties like color, taste, and texture. Salt typically is white, crystalline and has a salty taste. Sugar is also white and crystalline but has a sweet taste.
02

Listing down the chemical properties of salt and sugar

Chemical properties describe the ability of a substance to undergo changes that transform it into different substances. For salt (Sodium Chloride), when it is put in water it dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions. Sugar (Sucrose), on the other hand, does not dissociate in water but it can be decomposed by the enzyme sucrase to yield glucose and fructose.
03

Comparing the physical properties

Both salt and sugar share physical properties such as being solid in state, white in color and are crystalline. However, they can be distinguished by taste, as salt is salty whereas sugar is sweet.
04

Comparing the chemical properties

Chemically, both materials are different. Salt breaks down into ions in water, while sugar doesn't dissociate but can be broken down into glucose and fructose through specific enzymes.

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