S190: Prep Notes

Introduction

Total breakfast cereal is poured into a beaker, water is added along with a magnetic stir bar, and the mixture is stirred for about 30 to 45 minutes on a magnetic stirrer.

Supplies

Short List

  •   Box of Total cereal
  •   Beaker
  •   Stir bar
  •   Water
  •   Hot plate with stirrer
  •   Tongs

Prior to Lecture  (prep time ~ ? min.)

  • Provide a box to Total cereal, a large beaker (600 to 1000mL), a large magnetic stir bar (about 8cm. long), a pair of tongs, a magnetic stirrer, and water.

To Conduct Demonstration

  1. At the beginning of class fill a 600 to 1000mL beaker about half full with Total breakfast cereal.
  2. Add enough water for easy stirring of the mixture.
  3. Add a large white magnetic stir bar (about 8cm. long) and place on a magnetic stirrer.  Allow the mixture to stir at a slow to medium speed for about 30 to 45 mins.
  4. Carefully remove the stir bar with a pair of tongs and show the students the iron filings collected on it.

Demo Time: ~50 minutes

Safety and Disposal

There are no safety or disposal concerns associated with this demonstration.