Experiment on water salinity and density [video]
Observe the difference in density between freshwater and saltwater
Experiment on water salinity and density - activity sheet
© Carol Brieseman-Hampton Hill School
Group activity
Duration: 20 min
Type of activity: experiment
Language: English
Materials required: a jar of freshwater, a jar of seawater (about 1 tablespoon of salt dissolved in the jar), some ice (freshwater ice), food coloring
This video shows the different densities of freshwater and saltwater. Saltwater is denser and sinks down in the freshwater jar, and will only mix with the freshwater after some time. The cold freshwater will stay on the top layer in saltwater. This difference in density participates in the formation of ocean currents, especially in the Southern Ocean.
Follow up with experiments on the properties of water:
Experiment on water temperature and density (12-18)
Test your knowledge:
Quiz yourself on the properties of water (9-11)