Learn about how small amounts can make a big difference in this at-home science experiment about detection limits.
Energy Technology Engineering Center
June 9, 2025
minute read time
Sometimes small amounts can make a big difference, like the amount of chlorine needed to keep a swimming pool clean or nutrients needed in soil to grow healthy crops. Small concentrations are often measured in parts per million (ppm). A million is a large number and can be hard to visualize. This experiment is intended to demonstrate how small 1 ppm is and help to explain laboratory detection limits.
View the step-by-step instructions below and download the instructions to try at home.
