Lab-Aids: Size of Molecules Experiment Kit
This Lab-Aid allows students to intuitively enter the micro world by determining the size of a molecule. The experiment utilizes the principle that oil and water do not mix. Students isolate a single layer of molecules and learn how the thickness of this monolayer can be calculated when the volume of the substance and the area it covers is known. The computations employed in this kit were originally developed by Dr. Irving Langmuir to deduce the size of a molecule.
Scientific Concepts:
- Deduce the order of size of a molecule
- Intuitively step into the micro world
- Utilize math computations
Content List:
- 1 Teacher's Guide with MSDS
- 50 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 2 Activity plates
- 12 Metric rulers
- 1 Bottle of Hydrochloric acid, dilute
- 1 Bottle of Talcum powder
- 2 Drop control bottles of Arachidic Acid
- 2 Drop control bottles of Lauric Acid
- 2 Drop control bottles of Palmitic Acid
- 2 Drop control bottles of Sorbic Acid
- 2 Drop control bottles of Stertic Acid
Classroom Planning:
- To complete this kit requires one ~50-minute class period.
- Number of students: 50
