A novel smartphone microscope can be used to observe the dissolution and crystallization of sodium chloride at a microscopic level. Observation of these seemingly simple phenomena through the microscope at 100× magnification can actually reveal some surprising behavior. These experiments offer the opportunity to discuss some basic concepts such as how the morphological features of the crystals dictates how the dissolution process proceeds, and how materials can be purified by re-crystallization techniques.
Revised: January 25, 2017 |
Published: July 25, 2016
Citation
Lumetta G.J., and E. Arcia. 2016.Investigating Dissolution and Precipitation Phenomena with a Smartphone Microscope.Journal of Chemical Education 93, no. 10:1754-1759.PNNL-SA-117086.doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00248