3 How can you tell that something from the tea leaves has dissolved in water?

Here's how you can tell that something from tea leaves has dissolved in water:

1. Color Change: The most obvious sign is a change in the water's color. Tea leaves contain pigments that release into the water, giving it a characteristic brown, green, or yellow hue.

2. Taste: The dissolved compounds from tea leaves give the water its distinctive flavor. This taste can range from mild to strong, depending on the type of tea and brewing method.

3. Smell: Similar to taste, tea leaves release aromatic compounds into the water, giving it a noticeable scent.

4. Clarity: While tea leaves don't completely dissolve, the water becomes cloudy as tiny particles of tea are suspended. This cloudiness is less noticeable with filtered tea.

5. Chemical Testing: You can use chemical tests to confirm the presence of specific dissolved compounds from tea leaves. For example, you can test for tannins, which are responsible for the astringent taste and can react with iron to create a color change.

Important Note: While tea leaves release many compounds into the water, they don't dissolve entirely. Some particles will remain suspended or settle at the bottom of the cup.