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Beware the Wicked Witch

Materials: A small glass container, 5 ml (a few tablespoons) of acetone, small chunks of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam).
Note: A plastic container may be used instead of the glass container if it is not attacked by the acetone.

Procedure:

    1. Acetone is placed in a small container such as a small weigh boat or test tube cap.  Small carvings of Styrofoam are placed in the acetone. The Styrofoam will dissolve. Reference is made to the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz.  Several more carvings of the Styrofoam can be added showing that Styrofoam is mostly air.  The Styrofoam is dissolving, not melting.

----Contributed by Frank Salter, Mark Twain Section

Copyright © 2004-2005, American Chemical Society
Updated 8/8/05
Created by Milt Levenberg