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Separating and Identifying what is in a unknown solution
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:53 pm
by deleted-573197
In my IPS class, we are currently doing a test called sludge. The teacher makes mixtures of solids and liquids, and we have to identify what is in there along with quantifying and separating them. I just wanted to know how to identify if I have isopropanol. All the alcohols are clear and I am not sure if all alcohols have a strong smell.
Re: Separating and Identifying what is in a unknown solution
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 8:38 pm
by MadelineB
Hello Angzheng,
It sounds like you are describing a homework problem, rather than a science project? The Science Buddies "Ask the Expert" forum is for students in grades K-12 who are working on science projects. I suggest that you search the web to find information on identifying alcohols such as isopropanol.
Citric Acid
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 2:41 pm
by deleted-573197
I am a freshman in high school, and we are doing a test called Sludge in my Intro Physical Science class. The teacher prepares several different mixtures that include solids and liquids. We do not know what is in our Sludge. Our goal is to separate, identify, and quantify all the substances. When my partner and I finished distilling, we had a substance that was colored by ink, that was actually white. There are a variety of white solids that we could possibly have. We are pretty sure our liquids are alcohol and water, and when we looked and the chart to find what it could possibly be. We looked for a substance that was soluble in water AND alcohol and the only one that fit those properties was citric acid. So my question is, do we have citric acid? If not, please list ways to test in order to identify what we have. I would also like to know if there is a possibility of isopropanol being yellow? would really appreciate it if you could answer this question before April 4.
Re: Citric Acid
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 8:51 pm
by MadelineB
Hello Angzheng,
It sounds like you are describing a homework problem, rather than a science project? The Science Buddies "Ask the Expert" forum is for students in grades K-12 who are working on science projects. I suggest that you search the web to find the information you need.
In addition, the Science Buddies guidelines state that you keep your posts on the same subject together.
Thank you.
Moderator.