Skittles Chromatography and Osmosis
Welcome to the first in our series of everyday science experiments you can do in the Lab, Classroom or Prep Room. These experiments cover a range of scientific phenomena, our videos are all supported by blog letting you know what you need to do to carry them out.
The Skittles Chromatography and Osmosis experiment shows what happens when the colour particles from the skittles move from an area of high concentration (the sweets) to an area of low concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
Skittles are made mostly of sugar and food colouring. These two items are particularly susceptible to dissolving when exposed to water or any other liquid. This provides you with the initial colouring of the water.
The colour then spreads out over time, this is through diffusion. Diffusion is what happens when an area of highly concentrated molecules or items moves to an area of low concentration. This doesn’t just give you some pretty cool science but gives you a piece of art!
All you need for this experiment is a dish (petri dish preferred) with a small lip to prevent spillage, and a packet of Skittles. Add some water. Then after about 30 seconds the colours will form a rainbow by osmosis.
How?
Arrange the skittles on the plate to form a circle around the edge, fill the space in the middle with water and wait…
Why?
Skittles are made mostly of sugar and food colouring. These two items are particularly susceptible to dissolving when exposed to water or any other liquid. This provides you with the initial colouring of the water.
The colour then spreads out over time, this is through diffusion. Diffusion is what happens when an area of highly concentrated molecules or items moves to an area of low concentration. This doesn’t just give you some pretty cool science but gives you a piece of art!
