Chemistry - An Everday Thing!

Did you know you have a chemistry kit right in your kitchen? Really! Without even getting out of your pajamas, you can conduct the type experiments performed and studied every day in a real science lab by scientists like Paul DesLauriers at Phillips Petroleum.

Mix a few ingredients, do a little cooking and guess what? You are doing experiments that give you information on:

• Chemical Reactions
• States of Matter
• Physical Properties of Elements

If you want to see how this is possible, try this experiment to see a chemical reaction:

• In a small, clear plastic bag combine a few red cabbage leaves and one cup of warm water.
• Seal the bag and gently crush the leaves.
• “As you crush the cabbage, the water will turn blue because you have extracted the flavonoid or color-causing chemical," explains Phillips Petroleum Chemist Paul DesLauriers.
• Next open the bag and add a few teaspoons of something acidic like lemon juice. You will find the acid causes a color change. A chemical reaction has occurred! The acid has changed the chemical structure of the flavonoid causing it to absorb light differently and change color.

When it comes to a change in the state of matter, or form, you are already observing such changes every time you boil water (liquid to gas) or fry on egg (liquid to solid).

But what about changing something's physical properties? Try this! Measure one and one half cups of warm water into a large clear glass. Gently place an egg in the glass and watch it sink to the bottom. Remove the egg and add four tablespoons of salt to the water - stirring for 30 seconds. Don't worry, this is a science experiment, not breakfast!

Try placing the egg in the water again. Does it sink or float? Has the water changed? How would you describe its new physical properties?

Chemical reactions, states of matter, physical properties of elements - everyday kitchen stuff!