Properties of Solutions- Volume Decreases Upon Mixing

Volume Decreases Upon Mixing

Two photos, each with three stoppered flasks. The first photo shows a labeled flask with clear liquid in front of  a blue background, an empty flask with a black band, a labeled flask with another clear liquid. In the second photo, the flask with the black band has cloudy liquid. The remaining two flasks are empty.

Description: When ethanol and water are mixed, the volume of the mixture is less than the sum of the volumes of the individual liquids but is equal to the expected volume for a solution of its given density.

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

Year: 1989  Vol: 3 Page: 225

Keywords: Volume of mixing, Water, Ethanol

Rating:

Hazard: Some

  • Flammability hazard
  • Mild toxicity hazard
  • Electric shock hazard

Effectiveness: Good

  • Good connection from demo to course material
  • Somewhat noticeable contrast between behavior of systems
  • Low failure rate
  • Results are not easily perceived
  • Time to results is medium

Difficulty: Medium

  • Procedures with some intermediate steps to results
  • Demos in which a display is used
  • Careful manipulation is required
  • Volume dependent addition for proper results

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves required
  • Absorbent material on hand
  • No open flames
  • ABC fire extinguisher present
  • Use UL approved three-prong plug and outlet

Class: Properties of Solutions, Intermolecular Forces, Hydrogen Bonding, Solubility, Equilibrium

Division: General, Physical Chemistry