We describe here an activity that
enables students to visualize
the dissolution process, ion mobility, and precipitation on a microscale
level, all in 30 s. A small puddle of water consisting of approximately
10 drops is placed on a plastic sheet cover. Two small crystals of
water-soluble salts are transferred by toothpicks and simultaneously
introduced to the puddle from opposite sides. Within 30 s, a precipitate
forms where the two ionic solutions meet and the result usually looks
somewhat like a cat’s eye marble. A significant feature of
this activity is that it uses a minimum amount of resources.
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