Production of Materials > 3. Renewable Ethanol >
Solve problems, plan and perform a first-hand investigation to carry out the fermentation of glucose and monitor mass changes
Glucose can be fermented using the following procedure:
- Place the following in a flask:
- About 50 grams of glucose.
- About 150 millilitres of water.
- A few crystals of citric acid.
- About 5 grams of yeast.
- Measure and record the mass of the flask.
- Attach an airlock apparatus containing limewater to the top of the flask.
- Stand the flask in a warm place, with a temperature of approximately 37°C, for three days.
- Over the three days, carbon dioxide should be produced, which will form a white precipitate in the limewater (calcium carbonate) as it bubbles through.
- Measure and record the mass of the flask at various times throughout the three days.
- Due to the production and release of carbon dioxide, a mass loss should be observed.