The Effect of Salt on Boiling Temperature of Water

EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCE PROJECTS:The Effect of Salt on the Boiling Temperature of Water(Initially prepared by a 4th Grade student)To quickly jump to a section below click on:INITIAL OBSERVATIONCooking instructions tell you to add salt to water before boiling it.PROJECT TITLEThe Effect of Salt on the Boiling Temperature of WaterPURPOSE OF THE PROJECTTo find out how table salt affects the boiling temperature of water.HYPOTHESISAdding table salt to boiling water will cause the water to boil at a higher temperature.MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT· Table Salt · Distilled Water · 2 Quart Cooking Pot · Pint measuring cup · Teaspoon and tablespoon measuring spoons · Thermometer · Stirring spoon EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDUREBoil one quart of distilled water on a stove. Measure the temperature of the boiling water. Record the highest temperature reading. This is the control to compare with. Measure out table salt using a kitchen measuring spoon. Level the spoonful. Add the measured salt to the boiling water and stir. Measure the temperature of the boiling water with the salt in it. Record the highest temperature reading. Repeat for other amounts of salt. DATAData Obtained: 2/25/95, Mankato, MN|| Amount of boiling water|2 Cups|
Temperature of boiling water (Control)|212.9°F|
Amount of table salt added to boiling water: Run #1|1 Tbl.|
Temperature of boiling water after adding salt: Run #1|215.6°F|
Additional amount of table salt added to boiling water: Run #2|1 Tbl.|
Temperature of boiling water after adding salt: Run #2|218.3°F|
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EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONSWhen the salt was added to boiling water it bubbled up more, and then stopped boiling. Shortly afterwards, it boiled again.If the thermometer extends beyond the outside of the pot it reads a higher temperature. Heat from the stove burner makes the thermometer read higher. Keep the thermometer over the pot when making temperature measurements.CALCULATIONS· Total amount of table salt added for Run #1: 0 + 1 = 1 Tbl. · Total amount of