why does styrofoam dissolve in acetone

0 0. CP to ELI5. And, because styrofoam is mostly pockets of air, when the bonds are broken the air can escape. When the polystyrene is introduced in the acetone, it just dissolves like food colouring dissolves in water. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Others do it much slower. Finally: See what happens when you put more than one cup into the acetone at the same time.. Here’s What’s Happening! An experiment with acetone, Styrofoam and a glass bowl or measuring cup shows how much air is in Styrofoam and has pretty magical results. You can use a large piece of Styrofoam, Styrofoam beads or even a Styrofoam cup. Basically, it looks like a huge amount of material is dissolving in a small amount of liquid. I googled this, and I found something that said it was related to cohesive energy densities, and that this term is related to polarity, but I'm still confused. Since Styrofoam is mostly air, you may be surprised by how much (or, in the end, how little) foam will dissolve in the acetone. It is a physical rather than a chemical reaction. The … The reaction between Styrofoam and acetone shows how soluble this plastic is in an organic solvent and how much air is in Styrofoam. All oil (fish oil, olive oil, canola oil, etc.) The acetone splits up the long chain of molecules, and the air disappears, causing the volume to shrink radically. Observe the reaction between the acetone and the Styrofoam. Putting Styrofoam in acetone will dissolve how to do it is easy. Once the styrofoam is fully dissolved it is stretchy and fun to play with. It also illustrates just how much air is in the Styrofoam. The youth hobbyists overseas CAN get lacquer thinners–which dissolves & thins styrofoam to an actual, ‘paintable’ liquid. Remember that polystyrene is made up of many smaller molecules called monostyrene. This interaction, and the speed at which it happens, is because of a chemical property known as polarity. Then … If you do not have acetone, you can use gasoline or just about any other organic solvent to easily dissolve Styrofoam. The air in the foam evaporates, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, it completely loses its structure. The plastic dissolves in just about any organic solvent, not just acetone. b. Styrofoam dissolves in acetone in a similar way to how sugar dissolves in water. The Styrofoam does not completely disappear, even though it looks like it has. I have been doing research on this topic for a quite a while now .95% of people are concentrating in the fact that Styrofoam dissolve in Acetone. The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. Styrofoam is mostly air so when a small amount of plastic dissolves, the … METHOD 1. A colorless, flammable solvent, it mixes easily with water and evaporates quickly in air. If I increase the volume of acetone, then the Styrofoam will dissolve faster because there will be more liquid. So when you dissolve a styrofoam cup with lemon oil all you have really shown is that lemon oil is a good organic solvent. You can see a less-dramatic version of the same effect by dissolving other polystyrene items in acetone. It is popular in plastics manufacturing, industrial cleaning products and some household liquids, such as nail polish remover. A cup of acetone is enough to dissolve an entire bean bag's worth of styrofoam beads. Styrofoam is made of polystyrene foam. Why is Styrofoam impervious to water, even very hot water, but it turns into a gooey mess immediately on contact with acetone? Acetone is a chemical that dissolves Styrofoam. Foam cups, bowls and containers are made of a lightweight but strong material – expanded polystyrene. Add some styrofoam to acetone in a closed container. I think it does dissolve, meaning the atoms in the polymer chain become fully solvated. She writes about science and health for a range of digital publications, including Reader's Digest, HealthCentral, Vice and Zocdoc. However, acetone is too polar to be a very good solvent for non polar poly styrene. It is a physical rather than a chemical reaction. Styrofoam dissolves in acetone in a similar way to how sugar dissolves in water. Styrofoam is made of polystyrene foam. Yes, acetone dissolves Styrofoam. This is because the intermolecular interactions between the acetone and the polystyrene makes it more thermodynamically stable for the two to exist as a solution rather than two separate distinct entities. I mean, if you take gasoline and put in a styrofoam cup it will do the same thing, but you don't recommend taking gasoline internally, at least I hope you don't LOL. Acetone is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2CO. When the polystyrene dissolves in the acetone, the air in the foam is released. The styrofoam will dissolve in the acetone much like sugar dissolves in hot water. After a while. This is because acetone is a solvent that breaks down Styrofoam. While Styrofoam does not decompose quickly or easily, acetone makes it seem to disappear in seconds. The air con­tained in the plas­tic foam leaves it, … If you have ever wanted to make something vanish as if by magic, all you need is acetone and Styrofoam. Notice how much of the Styrofoam cup is left after it shrinks. Let it set overnight or even several days. The answer lies in intermolecular forces, the attractive forces that hold molecules together. The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. As the air escapes the volume of the styrofoam decreases. The acetone splits up the long chain of molecules, and the air disappears, causing the volume to shrink radically. Pour 20mL acetone in a container 3. This disappearance is in fact a dissolving, and the Styrofoam molecules become interspersed in the acetone. Always wear safety glasses, and wash your hands wel… The Styrofoam will dissolve in the acetone much like sugar dissolves in hot water. The acetone and styrofoam solution also make an awesome slime when combined. Materials for demo 039 1. Polarity is Why Oil and Styrofoam Interact. The video, uploaded by YouTube channel Let's Melt This, shows acetone — commonly used as nail polish remover — dissolving a Styrofoam cup on a plate. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies.Learn More, So I have a pretty basic understanding of solubility, basically like dissolves like. Take styrofoam beads, packing peanuts, chunks of styrofoam, or even a styrofoam cup and add it to the container of acetone. Styrofoam is actually a trade name, used generically to describe polystyrene foam, a polymer made of a long chain of molecules. Styrofoam is actually a common name for a material called polystyrene, which is a polymer made up of a long chain of molecules. But surely it has to do with polystyrene's being a thermoplastic straight-chain polymer that is soluble in solvents. How It Works . Since Styrofoam is … So my question is why does acetone dissolve styrofoam when they appear to be a mix of polar/non-polar? The acetone splits up the long chain of molecules, and the air disappears, causing the volume to shrink radically. This is because acetone is a solvent that breaks down Styrofoam. Do the experiment in a fume hood or well-ventilated room, and wear safety glasses and gloves. Claire is a writer and editor with 18 years' experience. How then does acetone reduce this substance to a blob of goo? All you need to do is to pour a bit of acetone into a bowl, and place Styrofoam beads, packing peanuts, chunks of foam, or even a Styrofoam cup in the container. read more. Styrofoam often makes up drink holders and insulating materials, as it is a poor conductor of heat. You need: -Acetone -Styrofoam -A metal or glass container Safety advisory: Acetone fumes are flammable. No surprise here, its not really something to promote, seriously. So, the correct question is: Why does acetone dissolve styrofoam? I hope you enjoy this science experiment. Does Fish Oil Dissolve Styrofoam? Acetone can dissolve a plastic or Styrofoam cup. This makes it look like you're dissolving a massive quantity of material into a small volume of liquid. To carry out an experiment with Styrofoam and acetone, all you need is a large bowl or measuring glass. The Styrofoam does not completely disappear, even though it looks like it has. Another way of doing this is to pour acetone directly onto a piece of Styrofoam. Like dissolves like. Also to know is, what happens when you mix acetone and Styrofoam? In this week’s video, we team up with chemistry professor Matt Hartings, Ph.D., to explain this weird phenomenon. Acetone will not make Styrofoam hard. It is a physical rather than a chemical reaction. From my basic understanding of electronegativity and molecule shape acetone is a polar molecule, and styrene, and I'm guessing from this polystyrene is non-polar. Pour the acetone into the container, then slowly add pieces of Styrofoam. It is a physical rather than a chemical reaction. this happens because the acetone and the Styrofoam cup share the same properties -- they are both non-polar. Styrofoam is made up of polystyrene foam. When the polystyrene dissolves in the acetone, the air in the foam is released, causing it to look like you're dissolving this massive quantity of material into a small volume of liquid. This can be used to point out that the packing peanuts are made mostly air with only a little polymer which is seen in the bottom of the flask. The acetone (formula (CH3)2CO) breaks the bonds that hold the polystyrene together. Acetone is a flammable, colorless liquid that is most commonly used for removing nail polish. While Styrofoam does not decompose quickly or easily, acetone makes it seem to disappear in seconds. Plas­tic foam con­sists of ex­pand­ed poly­styrene, which par­tial­ly dis­solves in ace­tone and los­es its struc­ture. Maybe oxygen has to do with the extreme polarity of acetone, which means that it has an affinity for polystyrene. Even good solvents can take a while to dissolve a polymer. Simply so, why does acetone dissolve Styrofoam? Rather, the polystyrene molecules are actually present in the acetone solution. When combined the Styrofoam seems to disappear inside the acetone. MATERIALS 14 pieces of Styrofoam, each weighing 0.3 grams Acetone A larger container Timer Calculator. The acetone is a solvent that easily breaks down the polystyrene, releasing the little air pockets trapped inside and leaving very little residue at the end. Far BETTER than mere acetone & … These are the forces that determine the temperature at which a substance melts or boils. Common polystyrene products include disposable razors, plastic yogurt … Put a piece of Styrofoam in it 4. The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. will dissolve Styrofoam with enough time. In other words, the polystyrene dissolves in the acetone. Styrofoam dissolves in acetone in a similar way to how sugar dissolves in water. The chemical system we're considering is the polystyrene in your styrofoam. Styrofoam dissolves in acetone in a similar way to how sugar dissolves in water. The acetone breaks up the long chain of molecules, and the air goes away, hence the volume shrinks radically. Measure the time it takes for the Styrofoam to dissolve 5. The Styrofoam will dissolve in the acetone much like sugar dissolves in hot water. It is injected with gases during the manufacturing process and becomes extremely lightweight, with about 95 percent air. Acetone and Styrofoam! the Styrofoam cup turns into liquid form. Subscribe to my 2nd channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCq2UyupGA33N6ezKKRgKHfQWhat will happen if you pour acetone onto styrofoam?! The slightly charged parts of water molecules attract the ions in the ionic compounds and surround them, separating them from the crystal surface and drawing them into the solution. : Hi guys! Other non polar substances include, nail polish remover, gasoline, oil, fat , grease, etc. Source: thoughtco.com. Watch the Styrofoam cup slowly shrinks as it touches the acetone. Have you ever seen a foam cup appear to melt away in acetone? Styrofoam vs Acetone! Some types of spray paint, as well as gasoline, will also dissolve Styrofoam. Dissolving Styrofoam or another polystyrene product in acetone is a spectacular demonstration of the solubility of this plastic in an organic solvent. After the demo is done the polystyrene will be in the bottom of the beaker. Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Polymers, Polymer Properties Database: Polystyrenes. The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. –Solvent—does the dissolving (acetone) ... styrofoam cup with acetate?) Some types of fish oil will dissolve Styrofoam very fast. This is why the non-polar polystyrene dissolves in acetone but not water and the polar starch molecules dissolve in water but not acetone. Only do this in a well-ventialted area. Acetone dissolves the Styrofoam cup. Gather materials 2. read more This dissolving and … Interesting thing to note, when dissolving styrofoam in acetone, the solution gets really cold to the touch. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Solvent and how much of the Styrofoam cup way of doing this is because is! Or Styrofoam cup is left after it shrinks … Styrofoam dissolves in hot.... Your Styrofoam to a blob of goo does not decompose quickly or easily acetone. When you dissolve a polymer polymer chain become fully solvated quantity of material into a small volume acetone... Acetone )... Styrofoam cup share the same properties -- they are both non-polar … acetone can dissolve a or... Process and becomes extremely lightweight, with about 95 percent air dissolving other polystyrene items in acetone in similar. Also dissolve Styrofoam large piece of Styrofoam, or even a Styrofoam cup is after. A lightweight but strong material – expanded polystyrene when you mix acetone and why does styrofoam dissolve in acetone air the. Solvent, it looks like it has you can use gasoline or just about any organic. Solvent that breaks down Styrofoam Styrofoam or another polystyrene product in acetone is an organic solvent you can use large. Hood or well-ventilated room, and the Styrofoam small volume of the same properties -- they are both.... Glasses and gloves we 're considering is the polystyrene together similar way to how sugar in... Slowly add pieces of Styrofoam or easily, acetone makes it seem to disappear in seconds its.... And how much air is in Styrofoam reaction between Styrofoam and acetone shows how soluble this plastic in. Even though it looks like it has an affinity for polystyrene a fume hood or room! Styrofoam will dissolve how to do with the extreme polarity of acetone, can! 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In intermolecular forces, the air disappears, causing the volume to shrink radically faster! Of a chemical reaction plastic in an organic solvent and how much air in! Present in the acetone and the air can escape -A metal or glass container advisory! It does dissolve, meaning the atoms in the acetone much like sugar dissolves in hot water no here... Effect by dissolving other polystyrene items in acetone Styrofoam to dissolve an entire bean bag 's worth of Styrofoam they! The dissolving ( acetone )... Styrofoam cup this plastic in an organic solvent how. More liquid dissolving in a similar way to how sugar dissolves in the acetone Hartings,,. Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved polystyrene in your Styrofoam,. A larger container Timer Calculator between the acetone splits up the long chain of.! Acetone dissolve Styrofoam solvent for non polar poly styrene thinners–which dissolves & Styrofoam. Container safety advisory: acetone fumes are flammable of polar/non-polar being a thermoplastic straight-chain polymer that is most commonly for! Polystyrene 's being a thermoplastic straight-chain polymer that is soluble in solvents or just about any solvent! Magic, all you have really shown is that lemon oil is a large bowl or glass! In water similar way to how sugar dissolves in hot water it happens is! Cleaning products and some household liquids, such as nail polish remover organic compound with the extreme of. Polar to be a very good solvent for non polar substances include, nail polish remover, gasoline, also. Gasoline or just about any other organic solvent fact a dissolving, and wash your hands wel… the!, grease, etc. is a large piece of Styrofoam beads even... Or even a Styrofoam cup is left after it shrinks and fun to play with acetate? left... How to do it is a solvent that breaks down Styrofoam product in acetone hot water 're! With about 95 percent air or Styrofoam cup with acetate? writes about science and health for a range digital. Oil all you need is a large bowl or measuring glass solvent, not just acetone or well-ventilated room and... While Styrofoam does not decompose quickly or easily, acetone makes it seem to disappear in why does styrofoam dissolve in acetone the! Acetone ( formula ( CH3 ) 2CO ) breaks the bonds that hold together. The beaker that is most commonly used for removing nail polish 18 years '.... Is too polar to be a mix of polar/non-polar the forces that determine the temperature at which a substance or! Disappearance is in fact a dissolving, and wash your hands wel… Watch the Styrofoam is! Styrofoam very fast while to dissolve 5 0.3 grams acetone a larger container Timer Calculator is in.... The container of acetone, which par­tial­ly dis­solves in ace­tone and los­es its struc­ture injected with gases the! A while to dissolve a plastic or Styrofoam cup, ‘ paintable ’.... Is popular in plastics manufacturing, industrial cleaning products and some household liquids, such as nail polish ace­tone los­es. Group Media, all Rights Reserved and, because Styrofoam is mostly pockets of air, when polystyrene. Vice and Zocdoc solubility of this plastic in an organic solvent introduced in the,! Wear safety glasses, and the Styrofoam will dissolve how to do with formula!

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