What is this STUFF?
The dictionary defines “stuff” as matter of a particular and unspecified kind. Chemistry is the
science that investigates and explains the structure and property of matter.
Chemistry = Matter = Everything
In this activity you will investigate the properties of different samples of “stuff” in order to
determine if the samples are composed of the same kind of matter.
Questions:
1. If two different samples of “stuff” are composed of the same kind of matter, what would be true about
the properties of each sample?__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2.
If all the properties of two different samples of “stuff” are the same, what could you conclude about
the chemical composition of each sample? ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Procedure:
1. Obtain five plastic cups numbered 1 – 5. Add 10 mL of Stuff A to Cup #1; 10 mL of Stuff B to Cup
#2; 50 mL of water to Cup #3; 50 mL of water to Cup #4; Leave Cup #5 empty.
2. Using all your senses, except taste, describe the properties of Stuff A in Cup #1. Record your
observations.
3. Repeat Step 2 for Stuff B in Cup #2.
4. Use an electronic balance to compare the masses of equal volumes of Stuff A and Stuff B. Record
your measurements.
5. SLOWLY pour Stuff A in Cup #1 into the water in Cup #3. Record your observations.
6. SLOWLY pour Stuff B in Cup #2 into the water in Cup #4. Record your observations.
7. Gently stir the contents of Cup #3 and Cup #4 with the stirring rod. Record the affects of stirring on
each sample.
8. SLOWLY pour the water in Cup #3 into empty Cup #5. Record your observations.
9. Pour the water out of Cup #5.
10. SLOWLY pour the water in Cup #4 into empty Cup #5. Record your observations.
DATA TABLE
Properties of Stuff A
Properties of Stuff B
Stuff A _________________mL ____________________g
Measurements
Stuff B _________________mL ____________________g
Stuff A poured into
water
Stuff B poured into
water
Stuff A stirred
Stuff B stirred
Water poured from
Stuff A
Water poured from
Stuff B
Conclusion Questions:
1. Are Stuff A and Stuff B composed of the same kind of matter? Use the observations you made in this
activity to support your answer.
2. Define the term hydrophobic.
3. Define an antonym of hydrophobic.
4. Based on your observations in this activity, did Stuff A and/or Stuff B exhibit qualities of being
hydrophobic? Support your answer with specific observations made.
5. Describe how a vacation at Myrtle Beach would be different if the sand on the beach were
hydrophobic.
6. Describe possible consequences if the detergent powder used to wash clothes were hydrophobic.