Unit A Lesson A2 A World of Fluids
Completion requirements
Lesson A2: A World of Fluids
Video Lesson
Humans depend on fluids to perform many important tasks. Watch the video below to learn about some common ways we use fluids in everyday life.
Lesson A2: A World of Fluids
Figure A.1.2.1 – Perfume bottles spray a fine mist of fluid on the body.
Figure A.1.2.2 – Sperm whales provide an important component of some perfumes.
Figure A.1.2.3 – People wear perfume and cologne to smell pleasant and attractive.
Reading and Materials
for This Lesson
Science in Action 8
Reading: Pages 13–16
Materials:
Olive or coconut oil (75 ml or ¼ cup), water, beeswax (1 tablespoon), scented oil (5 drops), measuring cups, measuring spoons, spoon, stove, cooking pot, large heat-proof bowl (fits over over the cooking pot, without touching the bottom), oven mitts,
glass measuring cup (with a spout), blender or food processor (with feeder hole in the lid), 2 identical balloons, ruler, string, scissors, sharp pin or skewer, plastic bag, empty plastic milk or juice jug, tape, candle, matches or lighter.
Perfumes
Perfumes are mixtures of scented oils, alcohol, and water. Some scented oils are extracted from flowers and herbs. Some scented oils come from the scent glands of animals. Perfume makers mix different scents together to create pleasing perfume blends. After perfume is sprayed on skin, alcohol and water in the mixture evaporate, leaving the scented oil behind.
Ambergris is a unique, musky scent in some perfumes. It is a waxy solid that dissolves easily in alcohol. Ambergris also helps other scents remain on the body longer. It might surprise you to find out that ambergris is actually dried sperm whale vomit! Ambergris washes up on beaches, but it is rare to find. This makes it very expensive. Today, many perfumes contain an lab-produced substance similar to ambergris.
Fluids in Cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances that people use to change the appearance or smell of their bodies. Cosmetics include lotions, makeup, hair cleaners, hair dye, and perfumes. People use cosmetics because they believe it makes their appearance more attractive. Many cosmetics are mixtures of fluids. Fluids flow, which makes them easier to apply to the body. What fluids are in the cosmetics that you use?
Perfumes are mixtures of scented oils, alcohol, and water. Some scented oils are extracted from flowers and herbs. Some scented oils come from the scent glands of animals. Perfume makers mix different scents together to create pleasing perfume blends. After perfume is sprayed on skin, alcohol and water in the mixture evaporate, leaving the scented oil behind.
Ambergris is a unique, musky scent in some perfumes. It is a waxy solid that dissolves easily in alcohol. Ambergris also helps other scents remain on the body longer. It might surprise you to find out that ambergris is actually dried sperm whale vomit! Ambergris washes up on beaches, but it is rare to find. This makes it very expensive. Today, many perfumes contain an lab-produced substance similar to ambergris.
Fluids in Cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances that people use to change the appearance or smell of their bodies. Cosmetics include lotions, makeup, hair cleaners, hair dye, and perfumes. People use cosmetics because they believe it makes their appearance more attractive. Many cosmetics are mixtures of fluids. Fluids flow, which makes them easier to apply to the body. What fluids are in the cosmetics that you use?
Figure A.1.2.4 – Nail polish is a mixture of fluids and coloured pigments. It spreads easily on fingernails.
Figure A.1.2.5 – Shampoo is a mixture of fluids that cleans hair.
Try It!
Figure A.1.2.6 – Hand lotion is a mixture of fluids. It helps prevent dry skin.
Try this experiment to make hand lotion.
Materials:
- Olive or coconut oil (75 ml or ¼ cup)
- Water
- Beeswax (1 tablespoon, can find at craft stores, at health food stores, or online)
- 5 drops of scented oil (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon
- Stove
- Cooking pot
- Large heat-proof bowl (fits over cooking pot, without touching the bottom)
- Oven mitts
- Glass measuring cup (with a spout)
- Blender or food processor (with feeder hole in the lid)
Safety Warning
This activity involves hot fluids. It must be completed with the supervision of an adult. DO NOT attempt this activity by yourself.
Hot fluids and metal can burn you or others if you are not careful.
Wear oven mitts when handling the hot cooking pot and hot heat-proof bowl.
Never leave a hot stove unattended.
Take care when pouring hot fluids.
Hot fluids and metal can burn you or others if you are not careful.
Wear oven mitts when handling the hot cooking pot and hot heat-proof bowl.
Never leave a hot stove unattended.
Take care when pouring hot fluids.
Instructions:
- Fill the cooking pot one-third full with water.
- Put the cooking pot on the stove and heat the water until boiling.
- Put 75 ml (¼ cup) olive or coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of beeswax, and 5 optional drops of scented oil into the heat-proof bowl.
- Place the heat-proof bowl over the cooking pot. The water in the pot should not touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Stir the oil and beeswax mixture in the bowl until it melts.
- Turn off the stove. Using oven mitts, remove the bowl from the pot. Put the bowl on a cold stove burner and let cool for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the oil and beeswax mixture from the bowl to the glass measuring cup. Add 75 ml (¼ cup) of water to the blender.
- Turn on the blender at slow speed and remove the feeder lid.
- Pour the oil and beeswax mixture very slowly from the glass measuring cup into the spinning blender.
- Once the fluids are well mixed, turn off the blender.
- Let your hand lotion cool completely. Once cool, try applying it to your hands!
- Watch this video to see how to make hand and body cream.
Connections
Figure A.1.2.7 – Science and art combine to make colourful fluids like hair dye.
Figure A.1.2.8 – Cosmetic scientists develop and test cosmetic fluids like nail polish.
>> Cosmetic Science
Cosmetic scientists combine their knowledge of science and art to create interesting and useful cosmetics. Cosmetic scientists need to consider the appearance of colourful cosmetics on the body. They also must consider the safety of cosmetics on human skin.
Cosmetic scientists who design fluid cosmetics need to develop products that are just the right thickness, or viscosity, for their intended purpose.
Watch More
Cosmetic Scientists
This video explains how cosmetic scientists create nail polish.
This video explains how cosmetic scientists create nail polish.
Cosmetic science uses both artistic and scientific skills. Watch this video to find out more about this interesting career!
Figure A.1.2.9 – We are surrounded by air.
Figure A.1.2.10 – Earth’s atmosphere is a layer of air 100 km thick.
What is Air?
Air is a fluid that is made up of much more than just oxygen. The air in Earth’s atmosphere is a mixture of many gases. Oxygen only makes up 21% of air. The biggest component of air, at 78%, is nitrogen gas. The remaining 1% of air includes gases like argon, carbon dioxide, and methane. Carbon dioxide forms a tiny 0.04% percent of Earth’s atmosphere, although it has a big impact on trapping heat energy from the Sun.
We can’t see air, but different science experiments and technologies show that air is a type of matter. Air takes up space and has mass. The movement of air, such as the wind, is evidence of the existence of air.
Air is a fluid that is made up of much more than just oxygen. The air in Earth’s atmosphere is a mixture of many gases. Oxygen only makes up 21% of air. The biggest component of air, at 78%, is nitrogen gas. The remaining 1% of air includes gases like argon, carbon dioxide, and methane. Carbon dioxide forms a tiny 0.04% percent of Earth’s atmosphere, although it has a big impact on trapping heat energy from the Sun.
We can’t see air, but different science experiments and technologies show that air is a type of matter. Air takes up space and has mass. The movement of air, such as the wind, is evidence of the existence of air.
Try It!
Air Has Mass
Try this simple experiment to show that air has mass. Visit this website to see a photo of how to set up this experiment.
Materials:
- 2 identical balloons
- Ruler
- String
- Scissors
- Sharp pin or skewer
Safety Warning
Take care with scissors; don't cut yourself or anyone else!
Instructions:
- Blow up the two balloons to exactly the same size. Tie the balloons closed.
- Cut three pieces of string, each 30 cm in length.
- Tie two strings to the two balloons.
- Tie the two balloon strings to either end of the ruler.
- Tie one string in the middle of the ruler.
- Hold the middle string so that the ruler is suspended in the air. Adjust the balloon strings on the ruler until the ruler is balanced horizontally.
- Pop one balloon with the sharp pin. What do you observe?
- Watch this video to see how to determine if air has mass.
Questions:
Think about the following questions very carefully. Then, type or write your answers. After you have your answers, click the questions for feedback.
Think about the following questions very carefully. Then, type or write your answers. After you have your answers, click the questions for feedback.
The ruler balanced because it had identical masses hanging from both sides. The identical balloons contained the same mass of rubber balloon and air.
The ruler tilted because an air mass escaped one balloon. The remaining full balloon had a heavier mass than the empty balloon, which pulled down its side of the ruler.
Try It!
Candle Extinguisher
Try this simple experiment to demonstrate the flowing motion of air.
Materials:
- Plastic bag
- Empty plastic milk or juice jug
- Scissors
- Tape
- Candle
- Matches or lighter
Safety Warning
Take care with scissors; don't cut yourself or anyone else!
This activity involves a burning candle. It must be completed with the supervision of an adult.
DO NOT attempt this activity by yourself.
Burning candles can start a fire if you are not careful. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
This activity involves a burning candle. It must be completed with the supervision of an adult.
DO NOT attempt this activity by yourself.
Burning candles can start a fire if you are not careful. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Instructions:
- With the scissors, cut the bottom off the plastic jug.
- With the scissors, cut a large square from the plastic bag.
- Tape the plastic bag square to the bottom of the plastic jug. Attach the plastic bag so that no air can get in or out of the bottom of the jug.
- Light the candle.
- Aim the top opening of the plastic jug near the candle.
- Hold the plastic jug firmly and tap the plastic bag on the plastic jug. What do you observe?
- Watch this video to see how to prove that air exists.
Questions:
Think about the following question very carefully. Then, type or write your answer. After you have your answer, click the question for feedback.
Think about the following question very carefully. Then, type or write your answer. After you have your answer, click the question for feedback.
Air was inside the plastic jug. When you tapped the bottom, air flowed out of the jug. This moving air blew out the candle.
Figure A.1.2.11 – Indoor plumbing makes it easy for people to drink water, which is a basic need of life.
Figure A.1.2.12 – Washing often with soap and water helps prevent the spread of disease.
Indoor Plumbing
Can you imagine your life without indoor plumbing? If buildings had no water faucets, you would have to go outside and get drinking water from a well. If you wanted to take a bath, you would have to heat up big pots of water beforehand. You would need to go outside and use an outhouse in the middle of winter!
Although some ancient civilizations had plumbing systems, modern indoor plumbing has been widespread in developed nations for less than 100 years. Quick access to clean water makes life easier and healthier. Indoor plumbing allows people to keep clean, which reduces the spread of disease. Indoor plumbing also contains and removes waste water from buildings, so that it can be cleaned and treated.
Not everyone in the world has indoor plumbing. Almost one billion people don’t have easy access to clean drinking water. Some people have to walk long distances each day to collect water, which is often not safe to drink. Various humanitarian organizations are working in developing nations to solve this problem, by digging wells and by developing simple technologies that filter dirty water.
Can you imagine your life without indoor plumbing? If buildings had no water faucets, you would have to go outside and get drinking water from a well. If you wanted to take a bath, you would have to heat up big pots of water beforehand. You would need to go outside and use an outhouse in the middle of winter!
Although some ancient civilizations had plumbing systems, modern indoor plumbing has been widespread in developed nations for less than 100 years. Quick access to clean water makes life easier and healthier. Indoor plumbing allows people to keep clean, which reduces the spread of disease. Indoor plumbing also contains and removes waste water from buildings, so that it can be cleaned and treated.
Not everyone in the world has indoor plumbing. Almost one billion people don’t have easy access to clean drinking water. Some people have to walk long distances each day to collect water, which is often not safe to drink. Various humanitarian organizations are working in developing nations to solve this problem, by digging wells and by developing simple technologies that filter dirty water.
Figure A.1.2.13 – It is quick and easy to take indoor hot showers.
Figure A.1.2.14 – Toilet plumbing manages human waste in a hygienic way.
Watch More
Plumbing and Clean Water
This video talks about the history of modern indoor plumbing.
This video talks about the history of modern indoor plumbing.
Watch this video to trace the path of water into and out of a house.
This video explains how the city of Edmonton gets clean water.
Watch this video to learn about the water crisis in developing countries and what people are doing to help.
Figure A.1.2.15 – Natural gas fuels gas stove burners.
Figure A.1.2.16 – Natural gas furnaces heat many Canadian homes.
Figure A.1.2.17 – Natural gas reserves are located underground.
Natural gas is an important fuel fluid. Natural gas is obtained by drilling underground wells and pumping gas to the surface. Alberta produces the most natural gas in Canada, although most other provinces also have natural gas resources.
Natural gas is mostly made of methane gas, which burns efficiently. It is considered to be a better fossil fuel for the environment than some other types of fuels, because it produces less carbon dioxide when it burns. Pipelines transport natural gas to Canadian homes and businesses. Canadians burn natural gas in furnaces to heat their homes. Some stoves use natural gas as fuel. Electricity can be produced from burning natural gas.
Watch More
Natural Gas
Watch this video to learn more about natural gas and how it is extracted from the ground.
Watch this video to learn more about natural gas and how it is extracted from the ground.
Connections
Connections – Career
>> Plumbers and Gasfitters
Plumbers and gasfitters work with pipes that transport water, wastes, and natural gas. They build pipes and heating systems in new buildings. Plumbers and gasfitters also fix leaking water or gas lines. This keeps people safe and prevents buildings from being damaged. In Alberta, people become plumbers and gasfitters by completing a three or four year apprenticeship program.
>> Plumbers and Gasfitters
Plumbers and gasfitters work with pipes that transport water, wastes, and natural gas. They build pipes and heating systems in new buildings. Plumbers and gasfitters also fix leaking water or gas lines. This keeps people safe and prevents buildings from being damaged. In Alberta, people become plumbers and gasfitters by completing a three or four year apprenticeship program.
Watch More
Plumbers and Gasfitters
This video explains what plumbers do in their trade, and how to become a plumber in Alberta.
This video explains what plumbers do in their trade, and how to become a plumber in Alberta.
Watch this video to learn more about the trade of gasfitting in Alberta.
Make sure you have understood everything in this lesson. Use the Self-Check below, and the Self-Check & Lesson Review Tips to guide your learning.
Unit A Lesson 2 Self-Check
Instructions
Complete the following 6 steps.
Don't skip steps – if you do them in order, you will confirm your
understanding of this lesson and create a study bank for the future.
- DOWNLOAD the self-check quiz by clicking here .
- ANSWER all the questions on the downloaded quiz in the spaces provided. Think carefully before typing your answers. Review this lesson if you need to. Save your quiz when you are done.
- COMPARE your answers with the suggested "Self-Check Quiz Answers" below. WAIT! You didn't skip step 2, did you? It's very important to carefully write out your own answers before checking the suggested answers.
-
REVISE your quiz answers if you need to. If you answered all the questions correctly, you can skip this step. Revise means to change, fix, and add extra notes if you need to. This quiz is NOT FOR MARKS, so it is perfectly OK to
correct any mistakes you made. This will make your self-check quiz an excellent study tool you can use later.
- SAVE your quiz to a folder on your computer, or to your Private Files. That way you will know where it is for later studying.
-
CHECK with your teacher if you need to. If after completing all these steps you are still not sure about the questions or your answers, you should ask for more feedback from your teacher.
To do this, post in the Course Questions Forum, or send your teacher an email. In either case, attach your completed quiz and ask; "Can you look at this quiz and give me some feedback please?" They will be happy to help you!
Be a Self-Check
Superhero!
Self-Check Quiz Answers
Click each of the suggested answers below, and carefully compare your answers to the suggested answers.
If you have not done the quiz yet – STOP – and go back to step 1 above. Do not look at the answers without first trying the questions.
Sprays allow people to apply a thin layer of cosmetic fluid to their bodies. Perfumes have a very strong scent. If you poured perfume liquid directly on your body, the smell would be overpowering. The ability to create small drops makes the
smell pleasant. It also makes the perfume last longer because less is used.
Water is a fluid that flows. Waste water pipes must be angled downward so that waste water in a house can flow naturally downhill, towards the main sewer pipes or a septic field.
Natural gas does not have a smell. Adding a rotten egg smell to natural gas is a safety measure that allows people to smell a natural gas leak. The leak can be fixed before it is accidentally sparked, causing a dangerous explosion.
Some advantages of indoor plumbing include:
- Comfort and convenience
- Hygiene and disease prevention, because plumbing allows people to clean more often and it removes wastes safely
- More time to do work other than water collection
Tiny scent particles from cooking food mix with the air. Air is a fluid, which means it can flow. Air with food aroma particles flows around a house, which is why you can smell food cooking throughout an entire house.