Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My son just completed his project "Can Water Float on Water". Now he's writing some background information on it. We are both confused because were not sure if it's a Chemical Change or a Physical Change. We mixed salt, water and food coloring together. I thought it was a Physical Change because no new bonds were formed (the salt remained the same as well as the food coloring and water). My niece thinks it a Chemical Change because of the salt & food color. Please help. His project is due ASAP.

Thanks So Much.

Also, how do you know when you have responded.

Thanks Again

Hi,

I vote for Physical change because, as you said no new chemical bonds are formed. If you evaporated the water you could isoalte the same salt as you started with, and recover the same dye as you added originally, therefore there was no chemical change involved, only physical changes.

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Best regards,

Barrett L. Tomlinson