Separating sand and salt is a fun science experiment you can do at home. If you've ever been intrigued by the scientific notion of solubility, separating these two materials is a simple way of demonstrating the concept. Whether done at home or in the classroom, this experiment is an amazing process that's easy to understand, and you'll get the chance to see how science works.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Experimenting
Step 1. Prepare your equipment
Since this is an easy experiment to perform and understand, you will not need any highly durable laboratory equipment or specially purchased equipment. This experiment is relatively inexpensive. In fact, if you do it at home, you shouldn't have to worry about spending a lot of money on this experiment.
- Salt. Most households store table salt in their kitchens. If you have to, you can get table salt wrapped in paper from fast food restaurants.
- Sand. Although depending on where you live, sand should be very easy to find. Pebbles or coral can be crushed into sand using a hammer.
- The usual filter in the kitchen or coffee filter. In this experiment, the coffee filter (coffee filter -usually made of paper or cloth) is not the important part, but it will help when it comes to filtering saltwater from the sand. In most cases, the strainer you have in your kitchen is easier to use.
- A pan and heating element. All kitchens should have cooking utensils (stove or similar). Heat is the active catalyst in this experiment so it is necessary for the experiment to be carried out. If you are in a chemistry laboratory, a volumetric flask and a Bunsen burner (a Bunsen burner commonly used in laboratories) may be a better tool. A second pot or plate is also recommended to hold filtered brine.
Step 2. Mix equal amounts of sand and salt in a saucepan
Measure out the sand and salt carefully. The salt and sand mix very well, and you can mix the two by shaking the pan around. If that doesn't work, take a toothpick and stir the mixture until the two are thoroughly combined.
- In order to keep the experiment under control, do your best to make equal doses.
- You should provide salt and sand as much as 7-10 grams each.
- Some experimental models prefer to use only 20% salt in the mixture. That's a very good choice, as long as all your experiments do not change.
- It is better to use a smaller comparison. While the experiment will still work no matter how large the dose you make, it will be easier to observe changes if you keep it small.
Step 3. Add water to the sand and salt mixture
If you prepared 10 grams of sand and salt each, add about 100 ml of water, or as much as will cover the sand and salt mixture.
- Too much water will make the experiment take too long to boil.
- Precise measurements are not required but can help maintain consistency of the experiment if you repeat it.
Step 4. Heat the mixture
Heat is an active element when it reacts to move the particles (sand and salt) up. Stir the mixture if the salt you are pouring in forms lumps. It can be fun to observe the process of breaking up the clumps, so pay close attention.
- Medium temperature on the stove will be good for the continuation of this stage.
- If you don't want to spoil the clumping process, you'll need to let the mixture sit overnight without touching it.
- Be sure not to heat the water to the boiling point-the temperature at which it boils. Doing so will cause the water to evaporate, and you'll have to start over.
Step 5. Strain the salt water from the sand
When the salt has completely dissolved in the water it is time to separate the sand from the solution. This step can be done by draining the mixture into a sieve. Make sure you strain it over a pot, plate, or saucepan to collect the water.
Straining into a saucepan is the best way, as the result will be ready to boil. If you don't have a sieve, you can collect the salt on the side with a spoon, but this will take longer
Step 6. Bring the salt water to a boil
In order to completely separate the salt from the sand, you will need to return the salt to its original state. This can be done by boiling the salted water. Place the pot on the stove and heat until the water boils. Wait until the water boils completely. Turn off the fire. Next, you should be able to see the remaining salt in the pan.
- The temperature for boiling salt is much higher than the boiling point of water. To protect the pan, you must keep the stove temperature low. This might make the water boil longer, but the speed isn't worth the risk of damage.
- From here, you can get your salt back. Place the recovered salt on the side of the sand to facilitate the finishing step if you wish. The salt can be set aside using a spoon.
Part 2 of 2: Recording Observations
Step 1. Describe the purpose of the experiment
Goals are often relatively clear, but it's good to think of a concrete goal when conducting an experiment. In this case, you need to demonstrate the concept of solubility. The term "solubility" refers to the ability of a material to completely dissolve in a liquid.
While your salt and sand experiment is generally very simple, you will find it much more satisfying to write an article (about your observations)
Step 2. Make observations
An experiment is meaningless without careful observation. The habit of taking notes during the experiment will enrich the experience. You will notice things that are very likely to be overlooked. Even the obvious things should be noted. That way, you'll be able to understand it later. Observe the various movements and fundamental changes in the experiment. Make notes on the following points.
- Even though the salt is dissolved in the heated water, it remains intact.
- Salt requires water that has been heated before it dissolves.
- Salt does not evaporate with water.
Step 3. Discuss the experiment
By discussing an experiment in a group, you will be able to compare your observations. If the experiment takes place in a classroom, it is very likely that one of the experiments will turn out to be different from the others. Even though it is most likely a false conclusion, it is still interesting to see a new conclusion and find out where it came from.
It would be great to see for yourself footage of an experiment on a streaming site like YouTube. Even if you already know the conclusion, it's useful to look at the footage to see how other people carried out the experiment
Step 4. Reflect on the experiment
As all successful scientists will show you, most quality scientific research is surrounded by something that invites many good questions. Pay attention to your notes and think about the experience. What did you like about the experiment? Is there something you might do differently if you had a second chance? Don't just think about sand and salt, but think about everything that has to do with it. How about a different kind of mix? Most quality scientific research will arouse curiosity. Here are some questions you might ask:
- "Does the type of surface heating affect the way the salt is dissolved?"
- "Would the experiment be any different if I tried to dissolve it by stirring it in water at room temperature (20-25˚C)?"
- "Does fresh water become salty after it boils, or has the salt changed form?"
Step 5. Develop the original experiment
Immediately after doing the basic experiment, you should think of other questions that you want to know the answers to. For example, how much longer would the process take if the salt and sand were not equal? The separation of sand and salt is a very basic experiment, but the possibilities for advancement of a scientist's career will always be there.
- For experiments brewing your own beer, baking soda is a very interesting ingredient to try. Next time you can add it to your mix.
- Doing the experiment in a group will be more fun than doing it alone.
Tips
- This experiment is very simple and doesn't require a group, but it can be a lot more fun if you do it with other people. After doing the experiment, the other person also helps you to discuss the things you have observed.
- It's not necessary to repeat the experiment a second time, but it's always good to double-check your conclusions, in case something goes wrong.
