Exp. #2 Solutes vs. Solvents Experiment
Date: ___________
Problem: What is a solution, solute, and a solvent?
Hypothesis: Look at the substances that will be mixed with water. In the space
below write which mixtures you think will have solutes and solvents and state
why.
Materials: orange juice
vinegar
sugar
copper sulphate
powdered milk
rubber stopper
graduated cylinder
soup mix
test tubes
water
Procedures:
1. Use a graduated cylinder to measure out 25 mL of room temperature water
and pour it into each to the test tubes.
2. Mix 2 mL. of each of the following substances with the water in each of the
6 test tubes:
orange juice
vinegar
sugar
soup mix
copper sulphate
powdered milk
2. Put the rubber stopper over the end of the test tube and shake well for at least
30 seconds.
3. Allow each mixture to sit for a few minutes.
4. Record your results in the chart below.
5. Clean your equipment.
Observations:
Mixtures with Solutes and Solvents Chart
Mixture
with water
Transparent
Yes/No
Floating or
Suspended
Material
Yes/No
Mechanical
or Solution
Solute
or N/A
Solvent
or N/A
Orange
juice
Soup mix
Copper
sulphate
Powder
milk
Vinegar
Sugar
Conclusions:
1. Write a conclusion statement.
2. Which mixtures were solutions? How do you know?
3. Which mixtures were mechanical mixtures? How do you know?
4. Why did you write N/A for some mixtures?
5. Write a definition for solute, solvent, and solution.