Sugar molecules crystallize in a solution when they bump into each other and stick together. Slowly pour the supersaturated solution on top of the seed crystals. This first phase is called nucleation. The sugar clinging to the string or stick serves as a seed crystal. A supersaturated solution is a solution that contains more than the average solvent that can be dissolved at a given temperature. Divide your class into groups of 3 to 4 students each. Demonstration can be performed one of two ways. For example, halite indicates a cubic structure. These small crystals will be used as the "seed" crystals for each group. Remove the biggest and best-looking of the small crystals from the saucer to use as your seed crystal. Continue inspecting your crystals in the saucer and in the super saturated solution. Stirring prevents the sugar crystals that start to form from growing too big. In general, a crystal grows from a “crystal seed,” which is a clump of sucrose molecules, a speck of dust, or a gas bubble. This will initiate crystallization of the solution. This is a crystal that promotes the growth of the bigger crystals of the rock candy. fsu chemistry site search ... the solution can be "seeded" by adding a small seed crystal of pure sample to the cold solution. Consequently, adding a small particle of the solute, a seed crystal, will usually cause the excess solute to rapidly precipitate or crystallize, sometimes with spectacular results. The method is named after the Polish scientist Jan Czochralski, who developed it in 1916. If no crystals form upon cooling, you may have used too much solvent, and should evaporate some of … pattern based on its unique chemistry and molecular alignment causing a distinct shape. Once a tiny crystal forms, it serves as a nucleation point. Chemistry Science Fair Project: Investigate how using a seed crystal changes the growth rate of sugar crystals when making rock candy. References: Document your observations, including the temperature of the air. Stirring causes the sucrose molecules to be pushed into one another, forming crystal seeds … In this case, a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate is poured over a crystal of sodium acetate. If you need to, you can score a groove in the crystal to hold the line in place. This can be tricky; a pair of tweezers will help! Rock salt (halite), sugar (sucrose), borax (sodium borate) and alum all show a crystal structure when precipitated from a super-saturated solution. First, a seed crystal can be added to the beaker (or flask) and crystallization can be initiated in this manner. Make sure each group has the following materials: a 250-mL beaker or 9-oz plastic cup, a coffee stirrer or pencil, a piece of nylon or cotton string 15 to 20 cm long, and a hand lens. The Czochralski (CZ) method is a crystal growth technology that starts with insertion of a small seed crystal into a melt in a crucible, pulling the seed upwards to obtain a single crystal. The rate of crystallization in Equation \(\ref{13.2.1}\) is greater than the rate of dissolution, so crystals or a precipitate form (Figure \(\PageIndex{1d}\)). The recrystallization of the excess dissolved solvent in a super-saturated solution can be started by inserting a tiny solute crystal, called a seed crystal. ... For example, when making rock candy, you dissolve as much sugar as possible in water to make a saturated solution. Terms/Concepts: Crystals; Super-saturation; Polycrystalline mass; Molecular patterns; Crystal habit; Seed crystal; Crystal growth. Crystals may differ in size, but each has its own structure. This seed crystal also forms a surface for the solid to crystallize upon. 2. Get someone to help you tie the fishing line to the seed crystal. 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