Does Particle Size Affect How Fast
Sugar Dissolves?
• Student name: ___________________
• Class: Science
• Date: ___________________
• Introduce yourself and mention why this
experiment is interesting.
Aim
• To investigate whether sugar dissolves faster
as a powder compared to a sugar cube.
• Explain that we are testing how particle size
affects dissolving speed.
Hypothesis
• If sugar is in powdered form, then it will
dissolve faster than a sugar cube in the same
amount of water because smaller particles
have more surface area exposed to water.
• Measurable: Time taken to dissolve (seconds).
Variables
• Independent Variable: Sugar particle size
(cube vs powdered)
• Dependent Variable: Time to completely
dissolve (seconds)
• Controlled Variables:
• - Volume of water
• - Water temperature
• - Type of sugar
• - Stirring method
Materials & Lab Apparatus
• - Sugar cubes and powdered sugar (same
brand)
• - Beakers or test tubes (2–4)
• - Stopwatch or phone timer
• - Thermometer (optional)
• - Stirring rod or spoon
• - Measuring cylinder
• - Balance (optional for measuring exact sugar
mass)
Safety Precautions
• - Wear goggles while handling glassware.
• - Handle beakers carefully to avoid spills.
• - Keep the workspace clean.
• - No dangerous chemicals used.
Procedure (Step-by-Step)
• 1. Measure the same volume of water into
two beakers (e.g., 50 mL each).
• 2. Use water at same temperature for both
beakers.
• 3. Add a sugar cube to one and the same mass
of powdered sugar to the other.
• 4. Start stopwatch immediately when sugar
touches water.
• 5. Stir both samples the same way (or leave
undisturbed).
Observation / Data Table (sample)
• | Trial | Sugar Type | Time to Dissolve (s) |
• |-------|-----------|-------------------|
• | 1 | Cube | ______
|
• | 2 | Cube | ______
|
• | 3 | Cube | ______
|
• | Avg | Cube | ______
|
• | 1 | Powder | ______
|
• | 2 | Powder | ______
|
• | 3 | Powder | ______
|
Inference / Conclusion
• - Powdered sugar dissolves faster because it
has smaller particles and larger surface area.
• - Supports the hypothesis.
• - Particle size directly affects dissolving rate.
Diagram / Visual (Optional)
• - Draw a sugar cube vs powdered sugar in
water.
• - Show arrows or labels to indicate faster
dissolving of powder.
References / Thanks
• - Thank your teacher and classmates.
• - Optionally, cite simple sources about
dissolving rates (textbook or lab manual).