Restorative & Materials · single question
What effect does mixing alginate with WARMER water have?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. It shortens the working and setting time
- A. Syneresis and imbibition are storage phenomena governed by humidity and time, not by mixing temperature.
- B. Temperature has a marked and clinically useful effect.
- C. Warm water shortens rather than lengthens the reaction time.
- D. Correct. Alginate setting is a temperature-dependent chemical reaction. WARMER water ACCELERATES the reaction, SHORTENING both working and setting time. Cooler water slows it and extends working time — the practical technique when a difficult or large impression needs more time. Temperature is the fastest and most reliable variable to manipulate; altering the powder-to-water ratio is NOT acceptable because it degrades the mechanical properties of the set material.
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