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Why do you need to use rubbing alcohol for the tumeric method? Would water work?



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Hi Kitkats - Great question!

According to scientists here at Science Buddies, water will work too, but not as well. If you try dissolving turmeric in water, you'll see that some of the turmeric does not dissolve. In contrast, all the turmeric dissolves in alcohol. The fact that some substances dissolve well in water and some do not is something we see in chemistry a lot! In this case, the water-turmeric solution will also reveal the writing, but the final product will not be as bright and vibrant as when you use the alcohol-turmeric solution.

I hope this helps! If you don't have alcohol available, give it a try with water!

Amy
Science Buddies