Download LabBoraxCrystalOrnaments-1

Supersaturated Solutions:
Borax Crystal Ornaments
Objective:​ to explore solution saturation, create a supersaturated solution, and grow a
crystal.
Materials:
Large beaker
Borax powder
Water
Hot plate
food coloring (optional)
pipe cleaners
stir rod
string
pencil or stick
scissors
large open-mouthed container
Method:
1. Use pipe cleaner to make a shape that can fit inside your container without touching
the sides or the bottom. You may use scissors to cut the pipe cleaners.
2. Hang the shape from the pencil or stick with string so that it sits in the middle of your
container.
3. Fill beaker halfway with water. Heat gently.
4. Add 3-4 spoonfuls of Borax powder and stir until dissolved.
5. Add more Borax until a saturated solution forms (no more Borax will dissolve).
6. (Optional) Stir in 10-20 drops of food coloring into your saturated Borax solution.
7. Allow your solution to cool gently until it is warm to the touch. Pour warm solution
into the container with your pipe cleaner shape.
8. Let your solution sit at least overnight in an area where it will remain undisturbed.
Observations:
While creating
the saturated
solution
After solution is
placed in pipe
cleaner
container
Next day
Draw your results:
Discussion/Reflection:
1.
The solution on the hot plate was saturated. What evidence do you have that
the solution was saturated?
2. Based on your understanding, how can you define a saturated solution?
3. When your solution cools, it is considered a supersaturated solution.
Hypothesize a definition of a supersaturated solution.
4. Describe the appearance of your final crystals.
5. Describe potential sources of error in this experiment.
Regents Questions: (Use Table G)