The purpose of this experiment was twofold. The greater being, as implicated in the title, to become familiar with the scientific method. Meaning that with this experiment, greater knowledge about Laboratory tools, procedures as well as how to formulate and test a proper hypothesis will be learned. Also with this experiment, students will learn a great deal as to how Alka-Seltzer reacts in different mediums. .
Hypothesis.
After observing how Alka-Seltzer reacted in room temperature D.I. water, a variety of different hypothesis could be made as to how the Alka-Seltzer would react when the parameters were changed. Three of these include: 1) How the Alka-Seltzer would react when the temperature of the water is increased, 2) when the temperature of the water is decreased, and 3) how it would react when placed in a completely different medium, Isopropyl Alcohol. The predictions were that the Alka-Seltzer Tablet would dissolve faster than the control in the hot water, slower in cold water and extremely fast in the alcohol. .
Procedure.
For the control, the Alka-Seltzer tablet was placed in 10 ml of room temperature of D.I. water and then timed as to how long the tablet took to completely dissolve. The temperature was also taken of the water. For Hypothesis 1) the tablet was placed in 10ml of boiling water, timed and temperature checked. Hypothesis 2) the tablet was placed in 10 ml of water sitting in a bath of ice, timed and temperature checked. Hypothesis 3) the tablet was placed in 10 ml of Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, timed and temperature checked.
Data Tables.
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FOR CONTROLS: My control Student # 1 Student # 2 Student # 3.
Mass of tablet (grams) 0.7005 0.8901 0.8678 0.6801.
Time (sec.) 28 28 40 35.
Grams/ sec. 39.97 31.46 46.09 51.46.
FOR HYPOTHESIS: Hypothesis #1 Hypothesis # 2 Hypothesis # 2 Hypothesis # 2 Hypothesis # 3.
Mass of tablet (grams) 0.7284 1.0883 0.9972 1.3805 1.1117.
Time (sec.) 18 66 60 62 780.
Grams/ sec. 24.
