Supersaturación y Cristalización Instantánea

Desencadenamiento de la formación instantánea de cristales en acetato de sodio

Crystallization Intermediate (High School) 35 min ~$8,00

Objetivo

Preparar una solución supersaturada de acetato de sodio y desencadenar la cristalización instantánea, demostrando la supersaturación metaestable y la cristalización exotérmica (hielo caliente).

Antecedentes

Sodium acetate trihydrate can form extremely supersaturated solutions that remain liquid until disturbed. Adding a single seed crystal or scratching the container wall triggers rapid crystallization throughout the solution, releasing heat (exothermic). The resulting solid resembles ice but is warm to the touch.

Advertencias de seguridad

  • The solution gets hot when it crystallizes — handle with care
  • Sodium acetate is generally safe but avoid ingestion
  • Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot solution

EPP requerido

goggles

Materiales

  • Sodium acetate trihydrate (100 g)
    Or make from vinegar + baking soda
  • Distilled water (10 mL)
    Minimal amount

Equipamiento

250 mL beaker or flask Hot plate Stirring rod Thermometer

Procedimiento

1

Add 100 g sodium acetate trihydrate and 10 mL water to the beaker. Heat while stirring until all crystals dissolve (about 70°C).

8 min Handle hot solution carefully
2

Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature undisturbed. Do not shake or add anything.

15 min
3

Once cooled, the solution should remain liquid despite being supersaturated. Measure the temperature.

2 min
4

Drop a single small crystal of sodium acetate into the solution and observe the rapid crystallization wave.

2 min
5

Immediately measure the temperature of the newly formed crystals. Note the temperature increase (exothermic).

2 min Crystals will be warm
6

The process is reversible — reheat to dissolve and repeat.

5 min

Resultados esperados

When triggered, crystallization should sweep through the solution in seconds, forming a solid mass of warm crystals (hence "hot ice"). The temperature typically rises 10-20°C above room temperature. This is the principle behind reusable hand warmers.

Limpieza

Sodium acetate is reusable. Simply reheat to dissolve. Can be disposed down the drain. Rinse equipment.

Detalles

Categoría
Crystallization
Dificultad
Intermediate (High School)
Duración
35 min
Costo estimado
$8,00
Pasos
6
Materiales
2

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Supersaturación y Cristalización Instantánea?
Preparar una solución supersaturada de acetato de sodio y desencadenar la cristalización instantánea, demostrando la supersaturación metaestable y la cristalización exotérmica (hielo caliente).
How difficult is Supersaturación y Cristalización Instantánea?
This experiment is rated as Intermediate (High School). It takes approximately 35 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Supersaturación y Cristalización Instantánea?
Key safety precautions include: The solution gets hot when it crystallizes — handle with care; Sodium acetate is generally safe but avoid ingestion; Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot solution.
What materials are needed for Supersaturación y Cristalización Instantánea?
The main materials required are: Sodium acetate trihydrate, Distilled water.
What results should I expect from Supersaturación y Cristalización Instantánea?
When triggered, crystallization should sweep through the solution in seconds, forming a solid mass of warm crystals (hence "hot ice"). The temperature typically rises 10-20°C above room temperature. This is the principle behind reusable hand warmers.