Scribd
Upload
7 views

Soap Experiment

Uploaded by

s1522239
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views

Soap Experiment

Uploaded by

s1522239
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Grade 9 Chemistry Laboratory Activity Sheet

Soap-Making Experiment: Exploring Saponification with NaOH and Salt (NaCl) Addition

Objective:

To understand the process of soap-making through the saponification reaction.

To observe the effects of adding salt (NaCl) to the soap mixture.

To test the basicity of the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution.

Materials Needed:

10 grams of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pellets

30 mL of distilled water (for dissolving NaOH)

50 mL of vegetable oil (e.g., olive or coconut oil)

5 grams of salt (NaCl), dissolved in 10 mL of distilled water

Litmus paper (to test basicity)

Thermometerb

Stirring rod

Heat-resistant beakers or plastic containers

Soap mold (optional)

Safety gloves

Safety goggles

Lab apron

Safety Precautions:

Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a lab apron. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and can cause burns.

Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

Avoid direct skin contact with sodium hydroxide and soap mixture until fully cured.

Handle hot containers carefully to avoid burns.

Background Information: In this experiment, you will create soap using saponification, a chemical reaction between a
fat (vegetable oil) and a base (NaOH). Adding NaCl (salt) can improve the soap’s hardness by helping it to solidify
better.

Procedure:

Prepare the Sodium Hydroxide Solution

Measure 10 grams of NaOH pellets and add them to a beaker containing 30 mL of distilled water.

Stir the mixture carefully until the NaOH is fully dissolved. The solution will heat up as it dissolves, so handle it
cautiously.

Test the Basicity: Dip a strip of litmus paper test the pH of the NaOH solution. Record the pH value, which should be
highly basic (around 12-14).

Dissolve the Salt


In a separate container, dissolve 5 grams of salt (NaCl) in 10 mL of distilled water. Stir until fully dissolved. Set this salt
solution aside for later use.

Measure and Heat the Oil

Measure 50 mL of vegetable oil and pour it into a clean beaker.

Slowly heat the oil until it reaches approximately 40-50°C. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Combine the Oil and NaOH Solution

Slowly pour the NaOH solution into the warm oil while stirring continuously. Stir for 10-15 minutes until the mixture
thickens to a consistency similar to pudding. This thickening indicates the saponification reaction is taking place.

Add the Salt Solutionbbbbb

Pour the dissolved NaCl solution into the soap mixture and stir well. The salt will help the soap harden and may affect
its texture. Observe any changes in the mixture's thickness or appearance.

Pour the Mixture into Molds

Pour the soap mixture into molds. Use a spatula to smooth the top if needed. Set the molds aside in a cool, safe
place, and allow the soap to harden for 24-48 hours.

Unmold and Cure the Soap

After the soap has hardened, carefully remove it from the molds. Place the soap bars in a dry, cool area to cure for 2-
4 weeks. Curing will improve the soap’s durability and mildness.

Observations and Results:

Step Observation

NaOH solution preparation Describe temperature change and pH test result.

After adding NaOH to oil Describe any changes in consistency or appearance.

After adding salt solution Describe any changes in thickness or texture.

After cooling Describe color, hardness, and any scent (if added).

After curing Describe final appearance, hardness, and texture.

Guide Questions:

What did you observe during the pH test of the NaOH solution?

Discuss the pH of NaOH and what it means for it to be a strong base.

How did the soap mixture change when you added the NaOH solution to the oil?

Describe any changes in consistency and texture as the mixture thickened.

What effect did adding the salt solution have on the soap mixture?

Explain any differences you observed in the mixture’s thickness, texture, or hardness after adding salt.
Why is it important to allow the soap to cure for several weeks?

Describe the purpose of curing and how it impacts the final quality of the soap.

How does the pH of soap compare to the pH of other household cleaning products?

Reflect on why soap is generally basic and what that means for its cleaning properties.

Conclusion:

Summarize the soap-making process, highlighting the role of NaOH, NaCl, and oil in saponification.

Discuss how testing the basicity of NaOH relates to understanding the safety and effectiveness of the soap.

Reflect on the properties of the soap you created and compare it to commercial soaps in terms of hardness, texture,
and pH.

You might also like