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Chapter 1: Problem 75

What is the difference between a spoonful of sugar dissolved in a glass of water and a spoonful of sugar melted over a candle flame?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The difference between dissolving sugar in water and melting sugar over a candle flame is the nature of the change. Dissolving sugar in water is a physical change, where sugar molecules remain unchanged and can be recovered through evaporation. Melting sugar over a candle flame is a chemical change, where sugar molecules break down into various new molecules with different properties.

Step by step solution

01

Understand sugar dissolving in water

When sugar (sucrose, C12H22O11) is dissolved in water, it is a physical change, not a chemical change. The sugar molecules are separated by water molecules due to the interactions between the sugar and water molecules. In this process, the sugar molecules are not chemically altered, and the solution can be separated back into sugar and water by evaporating the water.
02

Understand sugar melting over a candle flame

When sugar is melted over a candle flame, it undergoes a chemical change, called caramelization or pyrolysis. In this process, sugar molecules are broken down into various new molecules due to the heat supplied by the candle. These new molecules have different properties than sugar, which results in a change of color, taste, and texture. It is important to note that the final products depend on the temperature and duration of heating.
03

State the difference between the two processes

The difference between dissolving sugar in water and melting sugar over a candle flame lies in the nature of the change. When sugar is dissolved in water, it undergoes a physical change, as its molecules remain unchanged and can be recovered through evaporation. In contrast, when sugar is melted over a candle flame, it undergoes a chemical change, where the original sugar molecules break down into various new molecules with different properties.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which one of the following is a homogeneous mixture: milk shake, 14 -karat gold (made by melting gold and other metals together), fog, blood?

Which one of the following is an elemental substance: water, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} ;\) bronze, made by melting copper and tin together; table salt, \(\mathrm{NaCl}\); ozone, \(\mathrm{O}_{3} ;\) sulfur dioxide, \(\mathrm{SO}_{2} ?\)

Which one of the following is a compound: ozone, \(\mathrm{O}_{3}\); stainless steel, a combination of iron and other metals; sulfuric acid, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4} ;\) brewed coffee.

Which one of the following is a compound: ozone, 18 -karat gold (made by melting gold and other metals together), \(\mathrm{NaCl}\), liquid nitrogen, iced tea?

Which of the following can form a homogeneous mixture when mixed thoroughly with water: table salt, sand, table sugar, gold?
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