Science First-hand investigation Year 9 Term 1 – Gabriella Frawley

Does temperature affect the rate at which a soluble aspirin tablet dissociates?

Aim: To determine if the temperature of water affects the rate a soluble aspirin tablet takes to stop bubbling
(dissociates).

Hypothesis: If the water temperature is increased then the soluble aspirin tablet will stop bubbling (dissociate)
faster because the atoms will increase in kinetic energy therefore increasing collisions between the molecules
to break their bonds according to (Davies, 2018).

Variables:

Independent variable: the temperature of the water (Degrees Celsius, °C)

Dependant variable: the rate the soluble aspirin tablet takes to stop bubbling(minutes)

Materials/Equipment:

- 1.2L of water (H20)

- Timer
- 6 X 150ml Coles clear plastic cups
- 6 Disprin Original aspirin tablets
- Kettle
- Thermometer
- Measuring cup

Procedure/Method:

1. Set up 6 X 150ml Coles clear plastic cups next to each other

2. Label 3 of the cups as 60°C water and another 3 cups as 30°C water
3. Measure 200ml of water with a measuring cup and pour into the kettle
4. Heat up the 200ml of water in the kettle until it reaches boiling temperature (100°C)
5. Pour 100ml of boiling water into one cup using a measuring cup
6. Place the thermometer into the cup until it reaches 60°C
7. Place 1 Disprin Original aspirin tablet into the water
8. Start the timer straight away and time how long it takes until the aspirin tablet stops releasing
bubbles
9. Record the time it takes to dissociates in the table below.
10. Complete steps 3-9 another 2 times for 60°C and another 3 times for 30°C, each time using a different
150ml Coles clear plastic cup

Bibliography
Davies, E. (2018, October 23). Why is hot water a better solvent than cold water? Retrieved February
2022, from Science Focus: https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/why-is-hot-water-a-
better-solvent-than-cold-water/#:~:text=Energy%20from%20hot%20water%20molecules
%20makes%20solids%20more%20soluble.&text=In%20hot%20water%2C%20molecules
%20are,water%20molecules%20and%20a%20solid.