Entropic and Kinetic Effects Observable in Household Liquids

This photo was my entry into the local OSA "Art in Science" competition. The abstract for my submission follows:

This tetraphasic mixture was created using readily available household liquids in order to demonstrate the remarkable effects of density, polarity, and viscosity in solutions. From top to bottom, the components are: aqueous isopropanol (appx. 80%), vegetable oil, water, and corn syrup. Differences in polarity at the isopropanol-oil and oil-water interfaces make phase separation entropically favorable (dielectric constant ε = 18.3, ~3, and 80.4, respectively), while a wide range of densities stratifies the layers as shown (d = 0.82, 0.92, and 1.0 g/mL, respectively). Careful examination of the water-syrup interface reveals no distinct phase separation; corn syrup and water are quite miscible in one another, as demonstrated by the prevalence of artificially sweetened beverages. Here, the high viscosity of corn syrup relative to that of water (coefficient of viscosity η = 180,000,000 cP and 1.0 cP, respectively) precludes rapid mixing, thus demonstrating the independence of kinetic and thermodynamic favorability.

Flickr page for this photo.

Visit the Eye for Science Flickr group.

Get the "Eye for Science" widget here and install it on your own blog. Spread the scienticity!

Like this image? Want it for your smartphone wallpaper?
Use this QR Code to load it on your smartphone and enjoy!