What you need:
Paperclip
Fork
Bowl of water
Dish detergent
This is what we call “planning the experiment” in the Scientific Method!
What you do:
Place the paperclip on the fork and gently lower it into the bowl of water.
Does the paperclip float or sink with the fork?
Lift the fork out of the bowl without touching the paperclip.
Add 1 drop of soap. What happens? Use your “observation” skills now and don’t forget that observation is also part of your Scientific Method that we use when we experiment!
The Science Behind It:
Water is a polar chemical. That means each water particle, called a molecule, has a positive and negative charge. The water molecules are attracted to each other and “stick” together. The positive end of one molecule sits next to the negative end of another molecule. The water particles at the surface “stick” only to particles next to and below them. This makes the surface act as if it had a thin “skin.” This is called surface tension. The surface tension of water is strong enough to support a paperclip! The fork helps you lower the paper clip gently into the water without breaking the surface tension.
When you put the soap into the water, it disrupts the order of the water molecules. The water molecules are no longer lined up from positive to negative, so the surface tension is no longer strong enough to support the weight of the paperclip. The paperclip falls into the water.
Mad Science of N.E. Central Florida sparks the imagination and curiosity of children everywhere by providing fun, interactive and educational activities in schools or in your home!
Call us at 800-976-0980 for more information on our programs!
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