Testing Unknown Solids with Red Cabbage Juice

Testing Unknown Solids with Red Cabbage Juice 

In this lesson, students use a third chemical liquid, red cabbage juice, to explore further the chemical properties unique to each unknown. Following the completion of this test, students analyze all the data they have collected over the past seven lessons and summarize what they now know about the physical and chemical properties of each of the five unknown solids. This is a good time for the class to add to the What We Think about Chemicals list from Lesson 1. 

Yellow Alum Talc 1 Dissolves liquid is deeper, brighter purple 

Green 1 Does not dissolve liquid is color of juice 

Blue Baking soda Dissolves liquid turns green  

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Testing Unknown Solids with Red Cabbage Juice / 101... 

Your students have carried out two physical tests (water drop and water mixtures) and four chemical tests (vinegar, iodine, red cabbage juice, and heat) on the unknown solids. In this lesson, they review and analyze all the data they have collected as a result of performing these tests to determine the distinctive properties of each unknown. This process provides students with the information and skills they need to solve the mystery in Lesson 12. 

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