Some materials seem to disappear when added to water.

We say they have dissolved. They are still there, but the particles are so small you can no longer see them.

There are some materials that do not dissolve in water.

Find out which materials dissolve when added to water.

How can you tell that sugar that's dissolved in water is still there?

Close up of child's tongue

By tasting.

If you taste the water, you will find that it's sweet! The sweet taste shows that the sugar is still there, even though you can't see it. The water will look clear, but the sugar will still be there!

Close up of child's tongue
An animated image of builders working on a construction site

More on Everyday materials

Find out more by working through a topic