Original Project
Substances, Chemical Reactions, and Conservation of Matter
Item SC056004: The weight of a jar containing water and sugar stays the same after some of the sugar dissolves.
A student adds water and sugar to a jar and seals the jar so that nothing can get in or out. The student then weighs the jar containing the water and sugar. After some sugar dissolves, the student weighs the jar and its contents again.
What will happen to the weight of the jar containing the water and sugar after some of the sugar dissolves?
- The weight will stay the same.
- The weight will increase.
- The weight will decrease.
- The weight will depend on how much sugar dissolves.
(Modified from Goldberg, et al., 2006)
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2127 | 4769 | 45% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 895 | 2430 | 37% |
| 9–12 | 1215 | 2310 | 53% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 1136 | 2315 | 49% |
| Female | 956 | 2362 | 40% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1876 | 4148 | 45% |
| Other | 197 | 509 | 39% |