What defines distilled water?

• A. Water treated with chlorine
• B. Water that has been vaporized, cooled, and condensed
• C. Water with added minerals for taste
• D. Water that contains bacteria

Answer: (B)

Distilled water is specifically defined as water that has been vaporized, cooled, and condensed. This process involves boiling water to produce steam, which is then cooled to form liquid water again. During this process, impurities, minerals, and contaminants that may be present in the original water are left behind, resulting in a highly purified form of water.

This method is effective in removing most types of dissolved solids, making distilled water a preferred choice in applications where purity is critical, such as in medical settings, laboratory experiments, and certain industrial processes. The high level of purity means that distilled water does not contain any added substances or contaminants, ensuring its suitability for various uses that require clean water.

In contrast, the other options present different forms of water with either treated additives or contaminants, which do not align with the definition of distilled water. Thus, the correct characterization of distilled water arises from its specific preparation method involving vaporization, cooling, and condensation.