Standard Science Primary 5 Cycles

Alexa poured 50ml of water into a tall narrow measuring cylinder and 50ml of water into a wide shallow dish. She left both in the same room. Which will dry up first and why?

A The dish, because it holds less water.
B The measuring cylinder, because it is taller and closer to the ceiling.
C Both will dry up at the same time because the volume is the same.
D The dish, because it has a larger exposed surface area.
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Worked Solution

Step 1: Evaporation only occurs at the exposed surface of a liquid. Step 2: A wider dish provides a larger exposed surface area than a narrow cylinder. Step 3: A larger surface area allows water to evaporate faster.

Correct answer: The dish, because it has a larger exposed surface area.

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