About Kristin Expertise I can answer questions regarding general, organic and analytical chemistry, as well as in
chemical oceanography and aquatic chemistry.
Experience I am a PhD candidate in chemical oceanography. My research focuses on organic compounds that bioaccumulate in marine mammals. This work requires extensive use and knowledge in the areas of organic extrations and chromatographic protocols, various types of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, stable and radioisotope data collection and analysis and an understanding of marine food webs. Previous research on phospholipids and chrial solvating agents required extensive use and understanding of liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, respectively. I also have an excellent understanding of what goes into making a radiocarbon (14C) date since I spent two years preparing samples for this type of analysis. I enjoy making science understandable, accessible and exciting for children of all ages (from my youngest cousins to my 90 year-old grandparents)!
Organizations Sigma Xi
American Chemistry Society
American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
Education/Credentials BS Chemistry (2002)
PhD Chemical Oceangraphy (2010)
Awards and Honors National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (2004-2007)
Question Hi, I am a high school sophmore and my chemistry teacher has offered us a challenge. We need to separate a mixture of salt and sugar, without altering their compositions or states of matter. I already asked about looking at both under a microscope and separating the two based on crystaline structure, but it just isn't practical. Any suggestions?
Answer Hi Leah,
Your question has perplexed me. I think I've heard of this before, but I can't remember the answer! Two things pop into my head. Salt is ionic and forms perfect little cubic crystals. Table salt is all generally the same size. Sugar is not ionic and it's crystalline structure is not cubic. Perhaps there is something there to exploit? Not picking and choosing - but maybe something with densities?
Also, when you say their states should be altered - does that mean you can't alter them at any time during the course of the experiment? If you can, then you can do one of two things:
1) Dissolve both in water, evaporate the water - the sugar will crystallize first.
2) Put the mix in an organic solvent such as butanol (propanol might work - worth a try). The salt will not dissolve but the sugar will. Be careful with this one, organic solvents can be nasty.
