How does grain size affect dissolving?

How does grain size affect dissolving?

granulated verses cubed/fine verses coarse

Objectives: 

• To investigate how grain size (surface area) affect the rate of dissolving of sugar.

• To make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding.

• To identify patterns in results and results that do not appear to fit the pattern.

Key Words

• Surface Area

• Grain Size

Factors that affect the rate/speed at which sugar dissolves in water

• Increase the temperature of the water

• Make the size of the particles smaller.

• Stir the water.

• Increase the volume of the water.

• Decrease the amount of sugar.

Factors affecting rate of dissolving

Temperature

The amount of internal energy (heat) in the solute and solvent also greatly affect the rate of dissolving. For example, sugar dissolves faster in hot water. This is because highly energized particles can break chemical bonds more easily than particles with low energy. The higher the temperature, the higher the amount of internal energy.

Surface area (grain size)

The surface area plays a large part in how fast a substance dissolves. The larger the surface area exposed to water, or another solvent, the quicker the solute will dissolve. It is best demonstrated by using grains of different sizes. A mass of small grains will have a larger surface area than an equal mass of large grains.

Stirring

Stirring a solution mixes the solute and solvent together so that more solute particles come into contact with the solvent. This increases the rate of dissolving.

Open Ended

What conclusion can you draw from your result?