Asked by Mashudu Daniel Rambau on May 09, 2024

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What is a diagnostic characteristic of a mineral used to make a cement slab in your house?

A) it is magnetic
B) it has a hardness of 7
C) it has a hardness of 1
D) it has one main direction of cleavage
E) it reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid

Diagnostic Characteristic

A diagnostic characteristic is a defining feature or attribute that helps in the identification or analysis of conditions, diseases, or materials.

Hydrochloric Acid

A strong, corrosive acid that is a solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl) in water, commonly used in industrial, laboratory, and gastronomic applications.

  • Recognize the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals, including cleavage, fracture, luster, hardness, and their reactions to chemicals.
  • Identify the standards used to choose minerals for particular uses, including for construction materials and the production of glass.
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WF
William FrazierMay 15, 2024
Final Answer :
E
Explanation :
The diagnostic characteristic of a mineral used to make a cement slab that reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid is indicative of the presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is a primary component of limestone, a key ingredient in cement.