To make something less pure is to:

To make something less pure is to:

• A. Alter
• B. Contaminate
• C. Enhance
• D. Preserve

Answer: (B)

The correct response is based on the definition of the term "contaminate." To contaminate something means to introduce impurities or unwanted substances, thereby reducing its overall purity. This term is often used in contexts such as environmental science, food safety, or chemistry, where the presence of an additional substance diminishes the quality or purity of the original material. In contrast, the other options carry different meanings. For instance, to alter something typically means to change it in some way, which does not necessarily imply that it becomes less pure. Enhancing something suggests improving or increasing its quality, while preserving it means to maintain its current state without degradation. Thus, while the other options involve changes or maintenance, contaminating specifically refers to the act of making something less pure.

The correct response is based on the definition of the term "contaminate." To contaminate something means to introduce impurities or unwanted substances, thereby reducing its overall purity. This term is often used in contexts such as environmental science, food safety, or chemistry, where the presence of an additional substance diminishes the quality or purity of the original material.

In contrast, the other options carry different meanings. For instance, to alter something typically means to change it in some way, which does not necessarily imply that it becomes less pure. Enhancing something suggests improving or increasing its quality, while preserving it means to maintain its current state without degradation. Thus, while the other options involve changes or maintenance, contaminating specifically refers to the act of making something less pure.