Catalysts: Speeding Up Reactions

What You'll Learn

Matter exists in three common states: solid, liquid, and gas. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container, and gases fill any container.

Key Words

plasma
molecule
atom

Materials Needed

paper towels
thermometer
strainer
ice cubes
salt

Safety First

Tie back long hair before starting the experiment.
Protect your work surface with newspaper or plastic.
Adult supervision recommended.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on Matter and Atoms before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Separate a mixture of sand, salt, and iron filings using a magnet, water, and a filter. Record each step and what you separated.

Step 3 — Observe

Compare the before and after states.

Step 4 — Record

Write your conclusion: did the results match your hypothesis? What would you change next time?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

Which is an example of a chemical change?