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Diatoms are encased in cases (valves) made of translucent hydrated silica whose thickness can vary. The material used to store excess calories can also vary. At certain times, diatoms store excess calories in the form of the liquid polysaccharide laminarin and at other times as oil. The table shows data concerning the density (specific gravity) of various components of diatoms and of their environment.
-Judging from the table and given that water's density and, consequently, its buoyancy decrease at warmer temperatures, in which environment should diatoms (and other suspended particles) sink most slowly?
A) cold pure water
B) warm pure water
C) cold seawater
D) warm seawater

Question

Please use the following information to answer the question(s) below.
Diatoms are encased in cases (valves) made of translucent hydrated silica whose thickness can vary. The material used to store excess calories can also vary. At certain times, diatoms store excess calories in the form of the liquid polysaccharide laminarin and at other times as oil. The table shows data concerning the density (specific gravity) of various components of diatoms and of their environment. 
-Judging from the table and given that water's density and, consequently, its buoyancy decrease at warmer temperatures, in which environment should diatoms (and other suspended particles) sink most slowly?
A) cold pure water 
B) warm pure water 
C) cold seawater 
D) warm seawater

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the density values in the table, diatoms have a lower density than cold seawater and warm seawater. Therefore, they will be more buoyant and sink more slowly in seawater compared to pure water. Additionally, water's density decreases at warmer temperatures, which means that diatoms will sink more slowly in cold seawater compared to warm seawater. Therefore, the best option for diatoms (and other suspended particles) to sink most slowly is in cold seawater.

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