Tooltip
These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
To dissolve or not to dissolve
This mystery explores solubility, ionic salts, polarised and non-polarised liquids.
Two glasses are half full of clear liquid. When a teaspoon of salt is added to both and stirred, it dissolves in one but not in the other. When the two liquids are mixed together, they dissolve in each other to form a solution. When salt is added, the solution separates into two layers.
The mystery can be used to investigate the importance of the nature of the solvent in solubility, he solubility of ionic salts like sodium chloride in water compared to its solubility in an organic solvent, and what factors affect solubility of a salt in a solvent.
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Downloads
-
To dissolve or not dissolve 519.32 KB
Show downloads
-
To dissolve or not dissolve 519.32 KB
Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.
