Volume Decreases Upon Mixing
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
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