Book 30, Question 112 · Video
How does a charcoal filter pitcher work?
Inside a filter pitcher is a cartridge of activated charcoal, which has been treated to be full of tiny pores. As water passes through, many chemicals and bad tastes stick to the huge surface inside the charcoal, like crumbs on a sponge. This is called adsorption. The charcoal can't hold forever, so cartridges must be replaced on schedule.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a charcoal filter pitcher work?
The Big Idea
Filter pitchers make water taste better! There's charcoal inside. How does it work?
Activated Charcoal
Step one: Activated Charcoal. Inside a filter pitcher is a cartridge of activated charcoal. It has been treated to be full of tiny pores, giving it a huge surface inside.
Sticking On
Step two: Sticking On. As water passes through, many chemicals and bad tastes stick to that surface, like crumbs on a sponge. This is called adsorption.
Replace It
Step three: Replace It. The charcoal can't hold things forever. So cartridges must be replaced on schedule to keep working well.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Activated. Tiny. Stick on. Replace it.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! One gram of activated carbon can have the surface area of a couple of tennis courts. Like crumbs on a sponge. It's called adsorption. Change cartridges on time.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, fill one glass from a filter pitcher. Fill another from the tap. Taste each one. Describe any difference. Which do you prefer?
Outro
A filter pitcher holds activated charcoal full of tiny pores with a huge surface inside. As water passes through, chemicals and bad tastes stick to it like crumbs on a sponge, called adsorption, so cartridges must be replaced on schedule. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!