Science Common Sense


1153 - Why does temperature affect the degree to which substances dissolve in water, burn, rust, or ferment?

Temperature affects how substances dissolve in water, burn, rust, or ferment because it gives or takes away energy from the tiny particles (atoms or molecules) that make up the substance.

Imagine these particles are dancing. When it's warm, they have lots of energy and dance faster. This helps them:

  1. Dissolve in water: Particles can move around and fit into the gaps between water particles more easily.
  2. Burn: Particles have the energy to break free from the surface and react with oxygen in the air.
  3. Rust: Iron particles have the energy to react with oxygen and water in the air, making iron oxide (rust).
  4. Ferment: Yeast particles have the energy to help convert sugars into carbon dioxide and other products.

When it's cold, particles have less energy and dance slower. This makes it harder for them to do these things.

So, temperature is like the regulator of the dance party – it controls the energy of the particles!