Water as a Universal Solvent (Part 2)

What You'll Learn

Matter exists in three common states: solid, liquid, and gas. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container, and gases fill any container.

Key Words

element
mixture
solution

Materials Needed

thermometer
strainer
ice cubes
salt
sugar
vinegar

Safety First

Wear safety goggles when mixing liquids.
Wash hands after handling materials.
Be careful with scissors — ask an adult for help if needed.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.

Step 2 — Do

Conduct a chromatography experiment: use a coffee filter and markers to separate the pigments in different colored inks.

Step 3 — Observe

Look for patterns in your observations.

Step 4 — Record

Make a graph or chart showing your results.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume?