Physics in the Kitchen: Sink or Swim Soda

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In the kitchen, learners can perform their own density investigation. Diet soda and regular soda differ in their sweeteners, and this makes a difference in whether a can of each will float or sink when placed in water.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • One can of diet soda
  • One can of regular soda
  • A bathtub, sink, or tub of water

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • American Physical Society

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Physical Society, 2012