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Oil and water don't mix because of how their molecules are constructed. Water is what is known as a polar molecule. A water molecule is shaped like a V, with an oxygen atom at the bottom point of the V and a hydrogen atom on each of the two top ends. However, there is unequal sharing of electrons between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This means that the bottom of the molecule has a negative electrical charge, while the top carries a positive charge.
Vegetable oil, on the other hand, is a nonpolar molecule made of long chains of hydrocarbons-strings of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Unlike the water molecule, there is equal sharing of electrons between the carbon and hydrogen atoms. This means that the electrical charges of the atoms are not separated, so the molecules don't have opposite positive and negative ends.
If you were to think of molecules like groups of people, the polar molecules hang out with other polar molecules, and the nonpolar molecules with other nonpolar molecules. This brings us back to the reason why oil and water don't mix.
Water is a polar molecule, and it just doesn't hang out with nonpolar molecules like oil. Scientists say that oil and water are immiscible.
The adage "like dissolves like" will help you remember what will mix with what. Salt and water mix because both molecules are polar-like dissolves like. It's also easy to mix vegetable oil and olive oil, or motor oil and peanut oil . . . but that's gross.
You can do this experiment at home using liquids you find around the house. Some of my favorites are honey, Karo syrup, Dawn dish soap, water, rubbing alcohol and vegetable oil. Experiment with the different densities of the liquids to determine which ones will float on top of the others. Hint: start by figuring out which liquid has the highest density.
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ViviA density column works by layering liquids of different densities on top of each other in a container. The liquids separate because the denser liquids sink to the bottom while the less dense liquids float on top. This creates distinct layers based on the densities of the liquids used.
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What is a density column?
A density column is a vertical arrangement of liquids or solids of different densities, with the most dense at the bottom and the least dense at the top. It demonstrates the principle of density stratification, where objects with higher density sink below those with lower density.
When layered into a single column which water will sink to the bottom?
In a column where different liquids are layered based on their density, the liquid with the highest density will sink to the bottom. For example, if water, oil, and honey are layered in a column, honey, being the most dense, will sink to the bottom followed by water and then oil.
How do you make a density column with 3 layers that doesn't mix when shaken?
To create a density column with 3 layers that don't mix when shaken, you need to carefully layer the ingredients in order of increasing density. Start by pouring the densest liquid at the bottom, followed by a medium-density liquid, and then the least dense liquid on top. Using liquids with distinct colors can help visualize the layers better. Be sure to pour the liquids slowly and carefully over a spoon or down the side of the container to prevent mixing.
Do some elements have the same density?
Yes, some elements have the same density. For example, both gold and tungsten have a density of around 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter. Additionally, elements in the same group or column on the periodic table may have similar densities due to similar atomic structures.
What has a effect on water density?
Temperature, salinity, and pressure have significant effects on water density. As temperature increases, water density decreases because warmer water molecules are more spread out. Higher salinity increases water density since dissolved ions make the water heavier. Pressure also impacts density, with deeper water being denser due to the weight of the overlying water column.
