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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > August  >
In the Classroom
JCE Classroom Activity
[#97] The Sweeter Side of Density
Michael Davis and Charles Henry
Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL 60601
Cover
August 2008
Vol. 85 No. 8
p. 1088A

Abstract
The concept of density represents a treasure trove of demonstrations, experiments, and discrepant events. Shortly after learning about common units of measurement, students frequently learn about density as an intensive physical property. The combination of oil and water is a common demonstration that simultaneously demonstrates density and miscibility. Regardless of how they are combined, oil and water, being immiscible, separate into distinct layers with oil on top. This classroom activity is an example of miscible liquids, which can be carefully combined to make a layered heterogeneous solution. Students determine the density of different sugar solutions and then devise a method for layering them in a graduated cylinder. Dyeing the solutions with food coloring results in a rainbow-colored heterogeneous mixture.
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Citation
Davis, Michael; Henry, Charles. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1088A.
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Keywords
Curriculum; Demonstrations; Elementary / Middle School Science; First-Year Undergraduate / General; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Laboratory Instruction; Physical Properties; Student-Centered Learning
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/23/2008
7/2/2008
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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