Introduction and rationale

In food preparation, solubility and temperature has a great impact on how the final food

product turns out. In our daily context, one good example of this is Milo powder. Milo

has been a staple drink in our life since young where both of us would make our own

Milo by adding boiling water into a cup of Milo powder. The milo powder would then

dissolve into the drink we know and love. However, we have never really thought about

the ideal temperature of the water in order for all the powder to dissolve. Normally, it is

recommended that boiling water, at 100 °C, is used to make Milo. However, we are

unsure if a slightly lower temperature, at around 90 °C or 70 °C, would also be just as

effective in dissolving the Milo powder. Thus, through this report, we plan to model the

solubility of milo powder against temperature to investigate the optimum temperature for

preparing Milo.

Research Question and Hypothesis

As such, we plan to answer the research question: How does the time taken for Milo

powder to dissolve change with the temperature of the water added to it? We

hypothesise that as temperature increases, the solubility of Milo powder increases.

Mathematical Theory

To develop a mathematical theory describing how the time taken for Milo powder to

dissolve changes with the temperature of the water added to it, we can begin by

analysing the experimental data and formulating a relationship between the variables.

Let's denote the time taken for Milo powder to dissolve as T (in seconds) and the

temperature of the water as Tw (in degrees Celsius).

Based on the experimental observations, we can assume that there is a relationship

between T and Tw. To determine the nature of this relationship, we can plot a graph of

T against Tw and examine the trend. Let's assume that the experimental data points are

relatively well-behaved and do not exhibit any complex behaviour. Once we have the

plotted graph, we can analyse the trend and determine if there is a linear or nonlinear

relationship between T and Tw. Let's consider a scenario where a linear relationship is

observed. In such a case, we can assume that the time taken for Milo powder to

dissolve is directly proportional to the temperature of the water. Mathematically, this can

be expressed as:

where k is the proportionality constant and c is the intercept term. The value of k

determines the rate at which the Milo powder dissolves with respect to the change in

water temperature.

If, on the other hand, a nonlinear relationship is observed, we can use a mathematical

function to describe the relationship. For example, if the data suggests an exponential

relationship, we could use an equation of the form:

where a and b are constants. The value of b determines the rate at which the Milo

powder dissolves with respect to the change in water temperature.

In either case, it is important to note that the specific mathematical relationship will

depend on the experimental data and may require curve fitting techniques to determine

the best-fitting equation. It is worth mentioning that the dissolution process is likely to be

influenced by other factors such as stirring, particle size of the Milo powder, and

solubility properties of the ingredients.

Methodology

To quantify the solubility of Milo powder, solubility would be measured as the amount of

time taken for all the Milo powder in the cup to dissolve in water completely. In terms of

differing the temperature of the water, water with different temperatures ranging from

10°C to 100°C, in intervals of 10 were used. The volume of water was kept constant at

200 ml and the mass of Milo powder used in each experiment was kept constant at 27g.

The time taken for Milo powder to dissolve would be our dependent variable while

temperature will be our independent variable.

The following apparatus were used:

Table 1: Table of apparatus used

No. Apparatus Purpose

1 Milo packet containing To be dissolved by the water to measure solubility

27g of powder

2 Water (200 ml) To dissolve the Milo powder in order to measure

solubility

3 Stopwatch Measure time taken for all Milo powder to dissolve

in the water

4 Food-grade To measure the temperature of the water to ensure

thermometer that the wanted temperature of the water was

obtained
5 250 ml Measuring Cup To measure that the amount of water used was

200 ml

6 Kettle To heat the water

7 Freezer To cool the water

8. Spoon To stir the Milo solution in order to promote the

dissolving of Milo powder in the water

These were the following steps we took to carry out our data collection:

1. Pour 1 packet of Milo powder into the measuring cup.

2. Prepare the temperature of the water and ensure that it is at the wanted

temperature with a food-grade thermometer

a. If hot water (any temperature above room temperature) is needed, boil the

water using a kettle to 100°C and leave the water out in the open to cool if

a lower temperature is needed.

b. If cold water is needed, cool the water down to 10°C using a freezer and

leave the water out in the open to heat up if a higher temperature is

needed.

3. Pour the water obtained in step 2 into the measuring cup until the 200 ml mark.

4. Start the stopwatch and stir using the spoon in a clockwise motion to dissolve the

Milo powder.

5. When all visible Milo chunks have been dissolved, stop the stopwatch and record

the time taken for all the Milo powder to dissolve.

6. Repeat the experiment (step 1 to 5) 2 more times.

Results and Analysis

After obtaining the 30 sets of data (3 readings for each temperature), we average the 3

readings for each temperature to find the mean time taken for Milo powder to dissolve at

that specific temperature, where they were then plotted on a scatter plot graph with an

exponential best fit line.

Graph 1: Time taken for Milo powder to dissolve (s) against temperature (°C) with an

exponential best fit line

The above best fit line has the equation

showing an inverse relationship where the time taken for Milo powder to dissolve

decreases as the temperature of the water used increases. To determine the accuracy

of the best fit line, we calculated the Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of our graph. The

equation of RMSE is defined as:

Where Oi are the observed values and Ei are the forecasted values. For the observation

values, we used the values in Table 2. For the forecasted values, we used the values

from our best fit line as shown below.

Table 3: Forecast values of the time taken for Milo powder (s) to dissolve against

temperature (°C) for exponential best fit line

Temperature / °C 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Forecast values / 17.2 13.2 10.2 7.85 6.04 4.65 3.57 2.75 2.11 1.63

s (3 d.p.) 37 64 07 4 4 1 9 4 9 1

Figure 1.1: Calculation of Exponential RMSE using Excel

To calculate, we use google sheets by first calculating the difference between the

observed and forecasted values, then we calculated the Mean Squared Error using the

SUMQ Function “=SUMSQ(D2:D13)/COUNT(D2:D13)” and squared rooted the MSE

values after that. By doing so, we found the RMSE values for the exponential function to

be 1.128 (3 d.p.). Since 1.128 is relatively close to 0, this means that the exponential

function serves as a good prediction for the solubility of Milo.

However, to truly determine if the exponential function is the best function, we changed

the exponential best fit line to a logarithmic one instead and recalculated the forecast

values and RMSE.

Graph 2: Time taken for Milo powder to dissolve (s) against temperature (°C) with a

logarithmic best fit line

Table 4: Forecast values of the time taken for Milo powder (s) to dissolve against

temperature (°C) for logarithmic best fit line

Temperature / °C 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Forecast values / 17.4 12.5 9.64 7.59 6.00 4.70 3.60 2.65 1.81 1.06

s (3 d.p.) 83 4 9 8 7 7 8 6 6 5

Using the same method on google sheets as the method in Figure 1.1, we found the

RMSE value of the logarithmic best fit line with the equation:
To be 1.066. As 1.066 < 1.128, the logarithmic best fit line is a better function to predict

the solubility of Milo.

Based on the graph, we can see that the time taken for the Milo to dissolve has the

greatest change from the temperature range of 10°C to 50°C. This is due to the fact that

heating up a solvent gives the molecules more kinetic energy. The increased rapid

motion means that the solvent molecules (Water) collide with the solute (Milo) with

greater frequency, and that the collisions occur with more force. Hence, as the kinetic

energy from 10°C to 50°C increases at a higher rate than the other temperature ranges,

the graph has a higher rate of change at that temperature range.

Evaluation

While carrying out the experiment, we noticed that it was very difficult to measure the

time taken to dissolve the milo powder, especially at higher temperatures. Due to the

fact that Milo is not a clear solution and that the powder dissolves very fast, faster than

a second, in high temperatures, the timings that we have used in our report are not the

most accurate and are thus a rough estimate of when the milo powder dissolves after

we have noticed that all milo powder has dissolved and pressed the stopwatch to collect

the data. In addition, due to human error, we could not ensure that consistent stirring

was used when we stirred to dissolve the Milo powder, as such, the Milo powder could

have dissolved at different rates due to this inconsistency, resulting in human error.

Furthermore, since we used a measuring cup to measure out 200 ml of water and a

food grade thermometer the measure the temperature of the beaker, the measurements

may not be the most accurate due to the high uncertainty of precision that these

measuring tools have (±0.2ml for the measuring cup and ±1°C for the thermometer).

For future extensions, since we already know that the ideal range is from 70°C to

100°C, we can narrow down the ideal range even further by using smaller intervals of

either 5°C or 2°C, while using more precise measuring instruments in the process as

well. This would thus allow us to get a better understanding of the actual ideal range of

the solubility of the Milo powder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after conducting experiments to determine the ideal temperature for

dissolving Milo, we have found that the temperature range of 70°C to 100°C is the ideal

temperature range. As we can see from the graphs and data obtained, the value ranges

from 70°C to 100°C require the least amount of time to dissolve into the water, allowing
for the flavour of the Milo to be fully apparent within the Malt Drink. The temperature

range has points that fall underneath the logarithmic best fit line, which means that the

data we obtained showed much more favourable results than the simulated result. Our

research aimed to find the optimal temperature that would ensure efficient dissolution of

Milo while minimising the time taken. Through careful observation and analysis, we

discovered that temperatures within this range consistently produced satisfactory

outcomes.

By selecting temperatures below 40°C , we noticed that the dissolution process was

significantly slower, requiring more time to achieve a uniform mixture. The temperature

range of 50°C to 70°C may also be a viable option but rest between the two extremes,

being neither the worst nor the best. Hence, temperatures exceeding 70°C result in

rapid dissolution and fully absorb the flavour of the Milo. Therefore, the range of 70°C to

100°C is the ideal range for preparing the drink.

It is important to note that the ideal temperature for dissolving Milo may vary based on

personal preference and specific circumstances, like the type of Milo powder bought.

However, our findings indicate that temperatures within the range of 70°C to 100°C offer

a reliable starting point for achieving optimal results. Further experimentation and

adjustments can be made based on individual preferences and desired outcomes.

Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the temperature requirements for

dissolving Milo effectively. By considering the temperature range of 70°C to 100°C,

individuals can enjoy a well-dissolved Milo beverage while efficiently managing the time

taken for dissolution.

Bibliography

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https://statisticsbyjim.com/regression/root-mean-square-error-rmse/

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Automate Excel. (2022, August 29). Automate Excel.

https://www.automateexcel.com/stats/calculate-root-mean-squared-error/

3. Libretexts. (2022). 16.2: Rate of Dissolution. Chemistry LibreTexts.

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Introductory_Che

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