top of page
This site was designed with the
.com
website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN EXPERIMENT

An experiment can help you understand how chemical reactions work a lot easier than reading a boring website. That is why I will show you how to carry out your own experiment safely and accurately.

​

First, we need a question.

​

How can Surface Area affect the rate of reaction?

​

Well, to find this out, we must first do background research. This is to ensure that we know what we are talking about when designing our experiment, and how to do it properly. It's also good to know a little bit of information about what you are trying to discover, as it will make the whole process a lot easier.

​

Now we need a Hypothesis: 

 

I will use two vitamin C tablets, one whole and one crushed. The crushed tablet will dissolve faster as it has an increased surface area

​

This is a simple experiment which will answer the question and allow us to understand the topic much easier. The materials and the procedure are simple, and can be done by you at home!

Materials

 

In order to carry out this experiment, we will need a set of materials and tools so that the results will come out accurate and effective. Here is a list of the materials and tools you will need for this experiment. All of them will be accessible from home, make sure you have the assistance of an adult when collecting them!

​

  • Vitamin C dissolvable tablets (2x)

  • 300mL beaker - To measure water 

  • Thermometer - To measure the temperature of the water

  • Metal spoon - To crush the tablet

  • Large cup (2x)

Independent Variables

  • The state of the tablets - Whole or Powder are the two forms of Vitamin C dissolvable tablets which we will be testing to see which dissolves faster in water to test our hypothesis

Dependent Variables

  • The time taken to fully dissolve in the water - This is what we will be testing for, to see which state of tablet will dissolve in the water the quickest in order to test our hypothesis

Controlled Variables

  • The amount of water - 300mL

  • The temperature of the water - 25°C

  • Type of tablet - Vitamin C dissolvable tablet

Steps

 

Now, in order to proceed with our experiment, we need to create a set of steps to follow in order to execute the experiment safely, as an improvised experiment is a very bad idea! 

​

  1. Collect all necessary materials and tools needed for the experiment

  2. Measure 300 mL of room temperature water and transfer into a clear glass.

  3. Repeat step 2 into another glass

  4. Take one of the vitamin tablets and crush it into a powder with the metal spoon

  5. Place the 2 glasses of water next to each other

  6. Place one tablet in one glass, and pour the powder into the other

  7. Time how long it takes for the reactant (the tablet or powder) to dissolve completely

​

With the help of an adult, following this set of steps will allow you to make your very own experiment! Cool, isn't it? Experimenting isn't hard if you follow the rules, it's really fun!

Safety Rules

 

When experimenting, it's very important to stay safe and follow rules, if you don't, you could get yourself or others hurt. Below is a list of rules you must follow when conducting any experiments, at home or at school. Follow if they apply such as:

​

  1. DO NOT touch any chemicals or lab equipment unless they are instructed to do so.

  2. Never ever work in a science lab in the absence of adults

  3. Follow all the written and verbal instructions when conducting the science experiment.

  4. It is very important to be alert and be cautious when in the science laboratory. Eating, drinking, playing pranks, using mobile phones, or listening to music should be strictly prohibited.

  5. Before using any chemicals, read the label carefully. When mixing chemicals or conducting the experiment, keep the test tube containing the chemical away from your face, mouth, and body.

  6. Unused chemicals should never be put back in the original bottle. They must be disposed of as per the guidelines given by the lab assistant or science teacher.

  7. You must wear safety goggles, lab coat, and shoes in the science laboratory. Loose clothes, sandals, and open hairs should be a strict NO in school science labs.

  8. Examine glassware before using. Do not use chipped or cracked test tubes or beakers.

  9. Hot apparatus take time to cool down. Allow time to cool them down and use tongs or heat-protective gloves to pick them up.

  10. If any accident takes place, do not panic. Inform your teacher or an adult immediately and lab assistants for help.

Here is an example of this experiment done correctly and safely! If you need help, watch this video carefully.

bottom of page