Covalent Bonding with Playdough
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1 cup water (Polar Covalent, H2O)
1 tbsp oil (Nonpolar Covalent, C18H32O2)
½ cup salt (Ionic, NaCl)
1 tbsp cream of tartar (Ionic, KC4H5O6)
1 cup flour (Polar Covalent, C4H8O4)
Food coloring
Wax paper
Sandwich bags (1 for each group member)
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Add 1 cup water, 1 tbsp oil, ½ cup salt, 1 tbsp cream of tartar, and 1 cup of flour to a 1000 mL beaker
Mix the ingredients over medium heat until it resembles mashed potatoes.
Obtain a piece of wax paper for each member of your group.
Once you can lift it up in one big ball, divide the playdough evenly among your group members.
Each person should knead their dough on the wax paper.
Once it feels like playdough, each person should roll their playdough into a ball. Make a little indention
into their ball and place 2-3 drops of food coloring. Wrap the dough around the indention without
touch the food coloring.
7. Knead until it is the same color throughout.
8. Put playdough in sandwich bag.
Final Question: Scientists say, “Like dissolves like.” What is the reason for the nonpolar oil? Why do you
think the ionic compounds (salt and cream of tartar) are used?
For 6 classes, get:
3 – 5 lb. Bags of Flour
1 – Large Container of Oil
5 – Salt
10 – cream of tartar
10 – food coloring
8 – rolls of wax paper
140 baggies
For 6 classes, get:
1 – 5 lb. Bags of Flour
1 – Large Container of Oil
1 – Salt
4 – cream of tartar
2 – food coloring
3 – rolls of wax paper
140 baggies
Matches
Batteries (9v and AAA)