Matter and Mixtures- Sugar in a Soft Drink Can

Sugar in a Soft Drink Can

Description: A can of soft drink containing dissolved sugar will sink in water, while a similar can containing an artificial sweetener will float.

Source: Summerlin, L.R. and Early, J.L. “Chemical Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers”, 2nd Edition

Year: 1989 Vol: 2 Page: 126

Keywords: Sugar, Artificial sweetener, Soft drink, Density, Buoyancy

Rating:

Hazard: Low

  • No use of chemical reagents

Effectiveness: Good

  • High reliability
  • Results are observable without guidance
  • Counterintuitive effect
  • Some connection from demo to course material

Difficulty: Low

  • Simple manipulations for most to perform
  • Simple procedures

Safety Precautions: 

  • Eye protection required
  • Thermal gloves as needed

Class: Physical Properties

Division: General