A student is given a sample of an unknown solid and asked to identify it. The student begins by making a list of questions to investigate about the sample. QUICK!

Which question would be the least useful in helping the student identify the sample?

a

Is the sample soluble in water?

b

What is the weight of the sample?

c

Is the sample attracted to a magnet?

d

What is the melting point of the sample?

B) What is the weight of the sample?

Explanation:

The least useful question for the student to identify the sample is "What is the weight of the sample?"

To identify a sample, it is important to know its solubility (homogenous or heterogenous), chemical properties such as melting and boiling point, and whether sample is attracted towards the magnet or not to know the nature of the sample.

Weights is the least useful characteristic of a sample that can help to identify the sample.

Hence, the correct answer is "B) What is the weight of the sample?".