Science Fair Report #2

Problem: Which liquid substance help break down fat molecules best?

Purpose: To find out which liquid material is most efficient at breaking down fat molecules.

Method for Measuring:
1) First figure out the volume (fat & liquid), drain liquid, remaining substance you subtract from the original volume.
2) If the fat floated to the top, separate the fat from liquid and measure the fat according to grams.

Hypothesis:
I think white vinegar would break down fat molecules best because acids split fat. Since vinegar is acidic, then it would be able to break down fat.

Materials:
● A block of butter (fat)
● 1 cup of each type of liquid
● 1 cup of water (H2O - at room temperature – 18 °C to 22 °C)
● Digital Scale (for weighing the fat)
● Liquid measures
● Plastic containers

Control: - water (H2O)

Variable: - the different liquids I’m testing with
-->So far I have decided to use these liquids:
● Coffee (major chemicals: C8H10N4O2 & C20H28O3)
● White vinegar (major chemicals: CH3COO & H2O)
● Milk
● Seven-up
● Green tea

***Ms. Turner, I have a question to ask you regarding which type of fat I’m using. Butter might not be the best choice of fat because it may melt while sitting out on the counter overnight. Are their any other options of fat I could use?

*Comment: Try it & see, another option is a vegetable fat – ex. Cooking oil.