Properties of Solutions- Diffusion of a Liquid

The first photo shows a clear upper layer and a blue lower layer in liquid inside a plexiglass container. The second photo shows a liquid with a top layer of light blue color, a middle layer of darker blue color, and a bottom layer of darkest blue color inside a plexiglass container.

Description: Colored solutes, either liquid or solids, are placed in the bottom of a container, and a solvent is poured over them. Over a period of time, the color of the solute rises in the solvent.

Source: Shakahashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1989 Vol: 3 Page: 317

Keywords: Diffusion, Liquids, Copper (II) sulfate, Iodine

Rating:

Hazard: Some

Inhalation hazard
Acute toxicity hazard
Aquatic toxicity hazard
Specific organ toxicity – thyroid

Effectiveness: Average

Mild effects are seen by audience
Time to results is high
Good connection from demo to course material
Contrast between systems is noticeable
Low failure rate

Difficulty: Low

Demo does not involvement deep attention
Manipulations are simple for most to perform
Simple procedures

Safety Precautions:

Eye protection required
Gloves required
Absorbent material on hand
Avoid exposure to mists or vapors
Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Entropy, Thermodynamics, Properties of Solutions

Division: General, Physical Chemistry

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