Restorative & Materials · single question
How does warm water affect alginate setting time?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Warm water accelerates setting time (sets faster)
- A. Both water temperature AND powder-to-water ratio affect setting time. Higher powder ratio = faster set; warm water = faster set.
- B. Alginate is an IRREVERSIBLE HYDROCOLLOID. Its setting reaction is temperature-dependent: WARM WATER accelerates the chemical reaction, causing FASTER setting. Cold water RETARDS the reaction, giving MORE working time. Clinicians can manipulate setting time by adjusting water temperature — warm water for faster sets, cold water for more working time.
- C. This is the OPPOSITE — warm water accelerates (speeds up) setting; cold water retards (slows down) setting.
- D. Temperature directly affects the chemical setting reaction of alginate — warm water does accelerate setting.
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