An arson investigator is called to a suspicious fire that destroyed a house. The arson investigator collects a sample of debris, which was found at the base of the structure, containing some accelerant used to start the fire. Once the investigator goes back to the lab and tests the sample, a purple flame is emitted from the sample. What metal was part of the accelerant used to burn the house?

it can be observed without changing the identity of the object.

it depends on what substance you're talking about as well as many other factors. in quantum mechanics, the observation of particles affects the observers ability to measure certain properties. for example: you can know the velocity of a particle, but you can't know it's position; or you can know it's position, but not it's velocity. it's like trying to find out where a grain of sand is by throwing other grains of sand at it. once you find out where it is, it's been moved. it's also like trying to find an answer to the question of whether or not a tree falling in a forest makes a sound if nobody is there to hear it. paradoxically, the only way to find out is to be there and hear it.

it is b that is the answer.