In the chemical laboratory, why do scientists use a mortar and pestle?
a. to increase surface area of a solute
b. to decrease surface area of a solute
c. to increase temperature of a solute
d. to decrease temperature of a solute

Answer : The correct option is, (a) to increase surface area of a solute

Explanation :

A mortar and pestle is a type tool that is used in the chemical laboratory for grinding and mixing the substances.

In the mortar and pestle, the pestle is a heavy or small substance that is made from porcelain material that has the rounded end. The mortar is a bowl type that is also made from porcelain material.

In the chemical laboratory, the scientists use a mortar and pestle due to increase the surface area of a solute. That means by the girding of the solute, the surface area will increases.

Hence, the correct option is, (a) to increase surface area of a solute

"among the transition metal elements, manganese and zinc have a slight lowering of electronegativities. the reason behind this is that the nuclear charges of these elements are slightly weaker than the other transition metal elements due to the way their valence electrons are filled up. both manganese and zinc have their valence electrons filled up to the 4th shell with 1 pair of electrons (4s2) completely occupying it. although the electrons in the 3rd shell (3d) are yet to be paired since the outer most shell is filled up, the ability of the nucleus to attract electrons is lessened. hence,   the electronegativity (or the ability to attract electrons) is lessened."