Supersaturated Snowflakes

Intro:A solute is a substance dissolved in a solution. The solvent is the substance in which the solute is dissolved. A saturated solution cannot dissolve any more solute under given conditions. An unsaturated solution contains less solute than a saturated solution. Supersaturated solutions canbe heatedto dissolvemore solute than normally possible.Supersaturated solutions recrystalize on materials suspended in them as they cool.

Purpose: To investigate supersaturation of a Borax solution.

Procedure:Label a cup with name and period. Twist three 3 inch pieces of pipe cleaner to form a snowflake. Add 1.5 inch pieces to each point. Tie a string to snowflake and attach to coffee stirrerso snowflake does not touch sides or bottom of cup when suspended in it. Rub snowflake in borax powder. Make Borax solution by adding 30.00g Borax,2 drops food coloring, and200.mLwater in beaker. Stir while heating until solutionboils. Transfer solution to cup. Suspend snowflake in cup with borax solution. Let sit overnightthen record observations.

Observations:______

Questions:

  1. What is a solute?
  1. Name the solute used in this experiment.
  1. What is a solvent?
  1. Name the solvent used in this experiment.
  1. Why was it important to heat and stir the mixture?
  1. What is a supersaturated solution?
  1. Was the solution you made unsaturated, saturated, or supersaturated? What evidence supports your choice?

Supersaturated Snowflakes

Intro: A solute is a substance dissolved in a solution. The solvent is the substance in which the solute is dissolved. A saturated solution cannot dissolve any more solute under given conditions. An unsaturated solution contains less solute than a saturated solution. Supersaturated solutions canbe heatedto dissolvemore solute than normally possible. Supersaturated solutions recrystalize on materials suspended in them as they cool.

Purpose: To investigate supersaturation of a Borax solution.

Procedure: Label a cup with name and period. Twist three 3 inch pieces of pipe cleaner to form a snowflake. Add 1.5 inch pieces to each point. Tie a string to snowflake and attach to coffee stirrerso snowflake does not touch sides or bottom of cup when suspended in it. Rub snowflake in borax powder. Make Borax solution by adding 30.00g Borax, 2 drops food coloring, and 200.mL water in beaker. Stir while heating until solution boils. Transfer solution to cup. Suspend snowflake in cup with borax solution. Let sit overnight then record observations.

Observations:______

Questions:

  1. What is a solute?
  1. Name the solute used in this experiment.
  1. What is a solvent?
  1. Name the solvent used in this experiment.
  1. Why was it important to heat and stir the mixture?
  1. What is a supersaturated solution?
  1. Was the solution you made unsaturated, saturated, or supersaturated? What evidence supports your choice?