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Correct Answer: probe the liquid with a conductivity meter.
to determine whether an unknown liquid is ionic or not, bethany can employ various experimental approaches. among these, using a conductivity meter is particularly effective. ionic compounds, when dissolved in a solvent like water, dissociate into ions which are capable of conducting electricity. thus, a solution containing ionic compounds will exhibit high electrical conductivity due to the movement of these ions within the solution.
the first step in bethany's experiment would involve submerging the electrodes of a conductivity meter into the liquid sample. the meter measures the ability of the liquid to conduct an electrical current, providing a quantitative measure of conductivity. if the liquid demonstrates high conductivity, it suggests the presence of ions in the solution, thereby indicating that the liquid is likely ionic.
on the other hand, testing methods such as measuring the boiling point or freezing point of the liquid, while useful for determining other physical properties, are less direct in assessing ionic nature. these properties can vary significantly based on the compound's molecular weight and structure, not necessarily on its ionic or covalent character.
similarly, using an oxygen level meter would not be suitable for this purpose. oxygen level meters are designed to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in a solution, which does not provide information about the ionic nature of the solution.
therefore, for bethany's purpose of identifying the ionic or non-ionic nature of an unknown liquid, probing the liquid with a conductivity meter is the most direct and effective method. high conductivity readings would strongly indicate that the liquid contains ionic compounds, thereby confirming its ionic character.
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