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Candy Corn Experiment - Measuring pH level, temperature, and dissolution rate

In this candy corn experiment, students will dissolve candy corn in various liquids then measure for changes in pH, temperature, and dissolution rates.

Materials

  • 80 ml vinegar or 1/3 cup
  • Candy corn or 1/3 cup
  • 40 ml vinegar (for use in a tall glass) We will be adding baking soda to this, so we lessened the amount of vinegar.
  • 80 ml hydrogen peroxide or 1/3 cup
  • 80 ml Isopropyl alcohol (We used 91%. Either is OK.) or 1/3 cup
  • 80 ml orange juice or 1/3 cup
  • 80 ml fresh squeezed lemon juice or 1/3 cup
  • 80 ml shower cleaner (We used Zed.) or 1/3 cup
  • Glass beakers or plastic cups and at least one tall glass container for mixing the baking soda and vinegar.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Paper for labeling each liquid
  • pH paper (20 pieces per set up) and the pH chart that should have been included with the paper
  • Thermometer
  • Marker, pencil
  • Lab sheets from our printable pack
  • Paper towels to wipe off the thermometer

Instructions

  • Put on gloves and safety glasses.
  • Gather all materials.
  • Bring all liquids to room temperature before starting.
  • Make labels for the vinegar, vinegar and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, Isopropyl alcohol, lemon juice, soda, orange juice, shower cleaner.
  • Measure out the remaining liquids.
  • Arrange the containers and put their label in front.
  • Next, dip one pH paper in each liquid, checking it against the pH chart.
  • Place the pH paper on the table to dry. Place the "before" strip on the left side of the label. We will let it dry, then record it on the lab sheet.
  • Take the temperature of each liquid and write it down on the lab sheet in the Before Temp area. Be sure to wipe the end of the thermometer after each reading before dipping it into the next liquid.
  • Again, make sure your student(s) have on lab glasses and gloves.
  • FIRST, add the candy corn to the vinegar setup where you will add the baking soda. Take the temperature of the vinegar after the candy corn only has been added. Make a note of this temperature. So, you'll have 3 readings for the vinegar-baking soda mix.
  • Add 1 piece of candy corn to each liquid.
  • Make sure the thermometer is in the glass with the vinegar. Read the temperature and watch the temperature as the baking soda is added to the vinegar.
  • What is happening to the temperature of this mixture? Have someone record this temperature. Continue to watch the temperature for a few more seconds.
  • One person should record what happened to the temperature.
  • Next, start measuring the other liquids' temperature while observing any changes like bubbles or dissolution. Important: wipe off the thermometer after dipping in each glass.
  • Dip a second pH strip into each solution and place on the right side of the labels.
  • Continue filling out the data portion of the lab sheet.
  • Complete the remainder of the questions and sections of the worksheets.