Grade Level: 7th to 10th; Type: Chemistry
In this experiment, you will separate large-scale substances to understand how mixtures are made and the variance in the physical properties of their ingredients.
- Why does the density of the water change when salt is added?
- If paper was added to the experiment, how would you change the experiment to separate the paper from the plastics and metal?
- If glass was added, how would you change the experiment?
- Is this experiment a good representation of your recycling bin at home?
- Container
- Small pieces of heavy plastic jugs
- Small pieces of light plastic bottles
- Small pieces of aluminum cans
- Magnet
- Net
- Salt
- Water
- In the container, combine the pieces of plastic and metal.
- Use the magnet to separate and pull out the metal materials. Set them aside.
- Fill the container with water.
- Gradually add salt to the water until one set of plastic pieces begins to float.
- Use the net to retrieve the floating pieces. Set them aside.
- Use the net to remove the remaining pieces. Set them aside.
Terms/Concepts: Solubility, Magnetic Properties, Mass
References:
Solubility: http://www.solubilityofthings.com/
Magnetic Properties: http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Magnetism/magneticproperties.htm
Author: Danielle Abadam
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