My six year old asked me something yesterday that I have no answer to...I thought you lot, being the smart and wonderful peeps that you are might know :o)
You know those liquid capsules for doing the laundry? Well, he wants to know why water makes them dissolve, but the liquid inside doesn't. I'm at a loss....!
2007-11-25 21:52:11 · 21 answers · asked by Tish P 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
In a way Jon, yes, but he originally asked me :o)
2007-11-25 21:58:45 · update #1
the liquid inside is essentially a washing aid- and has little or no water.
the capsule skin is made of a material that dissolves in water- but is non reactive to the gel within.
anyways, you do have a smart kid- i wud suggest u encourage him/her ask more questions- and seek answers too.
2007-11-25 23:16:20 · answer #1 · answered by kapilbansalagra 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The plastic membrane around the capsule is water-soluble. It'll be made of something like the biodegradable plastics that the biodegradable plastic bags are made of.
The liquid inside is more of a gel, with not a huge amount of water actually in it - so it doesn't dissolve the plastic coating.
2007-11-26 03:26:12 · answer #2 · answered by gribbling 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wait here liquid tablets dont just melt in hot water cause a lot of laundries commercially dont have it .. and suppose u wanted cold water does that mean itthen wont dissolve ?and since when does hot water make liquid disolve? does hot water make dishwashing liquid disolve then??
what am the meaning of the word disolve if it doesnt mean to disappear??
in any liquid gel capsule it mixes with the water in order to wash the clothes.. yes or no? , in my opinion it does have a oil like base that disolves in water of any temperature just like advil liquid gels and such would.. / dont know if it makes sence or not. mj
2007-11-26 00:21:09 · answer #3 · answered by mjbrightergem33 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the HOT water from the washing machine that dissolves the outer membrane of the liquid capsule.
Try placing the capsule in a dish of HOT water and watch what happens.
2007-11-26 01:02:18 · answer #4 · answered by ramonford 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Becuase the liquid is more of a gel, think about putting sugar on jelly, it doesn't dissolve into it, but it would when the jelly was in liquid form.
I'm not too sure, but congrats on having a really smart kid!
2007-11-25 22:04:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here is a guess
Its because of the temperature of the water melting the capsule rather than the liquid.
2007-11-25 22:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by dave 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Seems to me that the liquid inside is not water.show the nipper that salt doesnt dissolve in olive oil,but sits on the bottom;better yet tht you can pour water (carefuly,without splashing)and it sits on the bottom.Last thing,Have you or an aquaintace got a lava lamp?
2007-11-25 23:45:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the hot water I think that dissolve the plastic. Because I think they can only be used for hot water washes.
You have quite a bright child there for asking these questions! Also shows us how we use these things and never think about it!
2007-11-25 22:15:45 · answer #8 · answered by a3human 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it is the warm water or the capsules have a lotion, or oil based liquid in them.
Hang on to that boy, he is pretty smart!
2007-11-25 22:04:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a very intelligent young man too ask you that question its because the outer part melts in hot water and the liquid inside doesn't it washes your clothes.
2007-11-25 22:03:02 · answer #10 · answered by blade lady 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋