Experiment No: 05

Softening Point:
Objective :
To calculate the softening point of the coal tar.
Introduction:
Softening point is the temperature at which a
material starts to melt in a medium.
Different materials have their own softening points
according to their chemical composition, and Stickiness.
Apparatus and Chemicals:

 Nickel Pellets
 Heater
 Beaker / Cylinder
 Thermometer
 Stand With hole
 Coal tar
 Water
Procedure:
1. Take some amount of coal tar and melt it with burner.
2. Take two nickel pellets of same diameter.
3. Wound the pellets with the melted coal tar of almost
same thickness.
4. Fill the cylinder with water and place it on the electric
heater.
5. Place both the pellets in the holes inside the water
cylinder .
 Turn on the heater and start to heat water slowly.
 Note the temperature as soon as the pellets starts to pass
down the holes.
 The both the balls will start to fall down at almost same
time.
 If there is a difference between both temperatures take the
average for accuracy.
 That will be the Softening point of the coal tar.
 Also note the time taken for this procedure.
Result:
Sr No. Temperature (degree centigrade C )

1 65

2 69
Result:
 The temperature noted for the first and second ball was 65
and 69 respectfully.
 So for the accuracy we take the average of both
temperature that was 67 degree centigrade.
 So this will be the softening point of coal tar.
Precautions:
 Do not direct heat the nikel balls of coal tar.
 Try to make the balls of equal diameter when wound the
coal tar on nickel balls.
 Instantly note down the temperature as soon as the ball
start to move down .
 Do not touch the electricity wires with wet hands.
 Wear lab coats, gloves and close shoes.