How to Determine Between Two Colorless Liquids: Water vs Sugar Solution

What can Ben do to find out which liquid is the sugar solution?

Ben has two colorless liquids in identical containers. One liquid is water, and the other is sugar solution. Ben does not know which is which and must not taste them. How can he determine which liquid is the sugar solution?

Possible Techniques for Ben to Identify the Sugar Solution:

Ben could get a spoon and mix it around. If he sees particles flowing in the liquid, that is likely the sugar solution. Another method is by putting the liquid in a bottle and shaking it.

When faced with the dilemma of identifying between two colorless liquids, like water and sugar solution, without tasting them, there are safe and simple techniques that can be employed.

Mixing and Observing the Liquids:

One effective method is to take a spoon and gently swirl each container to observe if there are any visible particles or changes in consistency. Sugar particles in the solution will not dissolve completely, causing them to appear as particles floating in the liquid. By observing the reaction to stirring, Ben can make an educated guess on which liquid is the sugar solution.

Shaking the Liquids:

Another method is to pour each liquid into separate bottles and shake them vigorously. Sugar solution tends to have a different viscosity compared to water. The sugar particles will create a slightly thicker consistency, leading to unique flow patterns when shaken. This technique can also help Ben differentiate between the two liquids without tasting them.

By utilizing these simple observational techniques, Ben can safely determine which colorless liquid is the sugar solution without the need to taste them. Taking precautions and using common household items can provide effective solutions to such challenges.