Mon Prof Augmenté
Capturing Flower Fragrance
Open to everyone until Wednesday, September 30
To keep it, print it while it is open.
Flower petals hold fragrant oils and scent molecules. Two lab methods can pull them out: one uses a solvent, and the other uses steam.
In the picture
- Glass tank: transparent container holding rose petals and solvent
- Solvent surface: colorless liquid surrounding the rose petals
- Copper alembic: rounded vessel holding lavender and steam
- Condenser coil: spiral tube cooled in water, turning vapor into liquid
- Oil-water boundary in the receiving flask: yellow oil floating on clear water
Examples
- Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol.
- Lavender essential oil can be collected by passing steam through lavender and cooling the vapor.
Key takeaways
- A solvent can dissolve scent molecules out of petals.
- Steam distillation uses heat and condensation to separate volatile oils from water.
Carry on in the app
Three questions on this lesson, to check the idea stuck. Free in the app while the lesson is in the free week.
At least one new illustrated lesson every weekday for your child’s year, with its quiz and a reminder at 6:15 pm.
Get the app
Free app, optional subscription
App Store Google Play
