Fluid Density Activity: Non-Sticky, Safe, and Cheap

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In summary, the student tried the corn syrup and found it to be heavenly. The student also tasted the corn syrup because it smelled nice. It's not trivial to find a safe and cheap high density liquid, but dichloromethane and chloroform seem like good candidates.
  • #1
flatmaster
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I'm writing an activity on fluid density. I'm looking for a safe, cheap fluid denser than water to explore density. The idea is to replace messy corn syrup or honey. It's a pain to clean syrup fluids out of the manometer. Were already doing simulated sea water. Any ideas?
 
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  • #2
Hmm, how safe? How dense? When I think dense fluids with low viscosity, I mostly think of organic halides. E.g. chloroform and tet are both readily available and both have densities of about 1.5 kg/l, but they're also somewhat hazardous.

Glycol is safer and cheaper, but less dense and stickier.
 
  • #3
High school.student safe
 
  • #4
Just as an example, I'm pretty sure a student tasted the corn syrup because it smelled "heavenly"
 
  • #5
flatmaster said:
Just as an example, I'm pretty sure a student tasted the corn syrup because it smelled "heavenly"

Well by that standard even glycol is out (since it happens to taste sweet)!
Glycerine perhaps?
 
  • #6
Here are some interesting candidates for high-density solutions you might want to think about.

It's not trivial to find common, cheap, easily obtainable high-density liquids which aren't at least somewhat toxic compounds.

Dichloromethane: 1.33 g/cm3, slightly toxic.
Chloroform: 1.48 g/cm3, moderately toxic.
Carbon tetrachloride: 1.6 g/cm3; quite toxic.
Zinc iodide in aqueous solution: density ?, not significantly toxic.
Caesium formate aqueous solution: 2.3 g/cm3, not significantly toxic.
Lithium heteropolytungstate aqueous solution: 2.9 g/cm3; not significant toxic.
Bromoform: 2.9 g/cm3, slightly toxic.
Tetrabromoethane: 3 g/cm3, slightly toxic.
Diiodomethane: 3.33 g/cm3, moderately toxic.
Clerici solution: 4.25 g/cm3, very toxic.
 
  • #7
Well, the overall activity is about sea water. I think I might model the current salinitu of the dead sea or the great salt lake. Besides, we already have a qualitative question about why one floats better in these bodies of water.
 
  • #8
minerva said:
Lithium heteropolytungstate aqueous solution: 2.9 g/cm3; not significant toxic.

That sounds like an awesome drink, can I get one of those on the rocks with a little umbrella? :smile:
 
  • #9
A water based solution of metal salts might work well:
copper sulfate
ferrous sulfate
calcium carbonate
some of these will be poisonous but that may help keep the gene pool in better shape.
 

FAQ: Fluid Density Activity: Non-Sticky, Safe, and Cheap

What is the purpose of the fluid density activity?

The purpose of the fluid density activity is to demonstrate the concept of density and its relationship to the mass and volume of a liquid. It also allows for a hands-on exploration of how different liquids have different densities and how this affects their behavior when mixed together.

How do you make the fluid density activity non-sticky?

To make the fluid density activity non-sticky, you can use liquids that are not sticky or viscous, such as water, vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol. It is important to avoid using substances like honey or syrup, which can be difficult to clean up and may leave a sticky residue.

Is the fluid density activity safe for children?

Yes, the fluid density activity is safe for children as long as proper safety precautions are taken. It is recommended to use non-toxic liquids and to supervise children during the activity. It is also important to remind children not to ingest any of the liquids used in the activity.

Can the fluid density activity be done on a budget?

Yes, the fluid density activity can be done on a budget. It only requires a few common household liquids and materials, such as water, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol, food coloring, and clear containers. These can often be found at home or purchased at a low cost.

How does the fluid density activity relate to real-life applications?

The concept of density is used in various real-life applications, such as in the production of different types of fuels, the separation of mixtures, and the design of ships and submarines. Understanding density also helps in understanding the behavior of liquids in different environments, such as in the ocean or in the human body.

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