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Dissolved Substances in Tap Water and Seawater

Dissolved Substances in Tap Water and Seawater
Contributors
Yiben Wang
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry | Villanova University
Learning Objets
Summary
The experiment "Dissolved Substances in Tap Water and Seawater" involves students evaporating tap water, distilled water, and seawater to observe solid residues. They also witness an instructor-led demonstration where gases are released from boiling these waters, collected, and tested. This practical activity helps illustrate the different dissolved substances in various water types, showcasing solubility, evaporation, and gas collection concepts.
Keyword Tags
Matter
Compounds and Mixtures
Properties of Matter
Separation
Link to external
Dissolved Substances in Tap Water and Seawater
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
See published resource
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Audience
Middle School
High School (Secondary School)
Introductory Undergraduate
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Designing Safer Chemicals
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
Design for Energy Efficiency
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Clean Water and Sanitation
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
See linked RSC Resource
Teacher Recommendations or Piloting Data (if available)
Distilled water should contain no dissolved solids, tap water some dissolved solids (those causing ‘hardness’, for example), and seawater should have more dissolved solids (sodium chloride and other salts). A related experiment describes how to analyse the salts obtained from seawater.

The gas that comes out of both seawater and tap water is air (with a higher percentage of oxygen than normal air, as oxygen is more soluble than nitrogen). The best test available would be to show that a glowing splint continues to glow and does not immediately go out when placed in the gas.

The presence of dissolved oxygen in water is, of course, vital for fish to survive.

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Submitted by

Yiben Wang
Published on
Moderation state
Published
Collection
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Resources
Time required (if applicable)
45-60 mins