Students conduct an investigation testing and recording the pH for several brands of aspirin, and measuring the time required for an aspirin tablet to dissolve in acid, water, and base. Students use evidence from that investigation to propose explanations for the color change of aspirin which was tested with ferric chloride. In addition, given the different rates that aspirin dissolves in acid, water, and base, students discuss what can be inferred about the dissolving rates of aspirin in the stomach and small intestine. Students use appropriate techniques to gather data. In this activity, students conduct several reactions to determine the composition of aspirin tablets and to compare pH differences between different brands of aspirin.
Solubility is a characteristic property of substances.
Students explore the time required to dissolve different aspirin tablets in acid and basic media. Chemical Reactions, Grades 9-12 Chemical reactions occur all around us, including in the use of pharmaceuticals. A large number of important reactions depend on specific pHs to occur. Light and heat can cause chemical bonds to be broken. This is an important consideration in the packaging and storing of pharmaceuticals.