Why Did the Water Level Drop in a Sealed Graduated Cylinder?

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SUMMARY

The water level in a sealed graduated cylinder dropped by 5.6 ml after a dry rock was placed inside, indicating that the rock absorbed water. This phenomenon occurs due to the porous nature of the rock, which allows it to take in moisture from the surrounding water. The absence of evaporation and leaks confirms that the only plausible explanation for the water level decrease is the absorption by the rock.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of water absorption and porosity
  • Familiarity with graduated cylinders and their use in experiments
  • Basic knowledge of the properties of solids and liquids
  • Awareness of experimental controls to prevent evaporation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of porosity in different rock types
  • Explore the principles of water absorption in solids
  • Investigate methods to measure water absorption in laboratory settings
  • Learn about the effects of environmental factors on liquid levels in sealed containers
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Students in chemistry or physics, educators conducting experiments on water properties, and anyone interested in the interactions between solids and liquids.

cornflakes
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A rock is placed in a graduated cylinder containing water, and the cylinder is covered to avoid evaporation. The next morning the water level has dropped by 5.6 ml. No one has had access to the cylinder, and the cylinder has no leaks. What is the most likely explanation for what happened?



Thank you in advance
 
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The rock was very dry and it absorbed some water?
 

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