Floating Paperclip

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 Ages: 8-12

Objective: Demonstrate the concept of surface tension and how it allows objects to float on water even if they are denser than water.

Materials Needed:

  1. A shallow dish or bowl
  2. Water
  3. Paperclip (preferably a standard-sized one)
  4. A piece of tissue or paper towel
  5. A pair of tweezers (optional)

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the Dish:

    • Fill the shallow dish or bowl with water, leaving some space at the top to prevent spills.

  2. Prepare the Paperclip:

    • Gently unfold the paperclip into a shape that can float on the water's surface. You can also use a whole paperclip if it’s small enough.

  3. Test Floating:

    • Carefully place the paperclip on the surface of the water. To do this, you can use a piece of tissue or a paper towel to float the paperclip gently onto the water. The paperclip should initially sit on the surface without sinking.

  4. Observe Surface Tension:

    • Watch how the paperclip floats on the surface. If it sinks, try again with the tissue or paper towel method to avoid disturbing the water too much.

  5. Explain and Experiment:

    • Once the paperclip is floating, you can experiment by adding a drop of liquid soap near the paperclip to observe how it disrupts the surface tension, causing the paperclip to sink.

Observation:

  • The paperclip should float on the surface of the water due to surface tension. When soap is added, the paperclip will sink or move away.

Explanation:

  • Surface tension is a force that acts on the surface of a liquid, causing it to behave like a stretched elastic sheet. This happens because water molecules are attracted to each other, creating a "skin" on the water’s surface. The paperclip, being lightweight and carefully placed, doesn’t break this surface “skin” and thus floats. Adding soap reduces surface tension, allowing the paperclip to sink.

Extensions:

  1. Different Objects:

    • Test other small objects to see which can float and which cannot, based on their density and surface area.

  2. Surface Tension Variations:

    • Experiment with different liquids (e.g., saltwater, soapy water) to see how surface tension changes.

  3. Paperclip Shapes:

    • Change the shape of the paperclip to observe how different shapes affect floating and sinking.

Safety Note:

  • This experiment is safe and easy to clean up. Be cautious with small objects and ensure they are not swallowed.

This simple yet effective experiment helps kids understand surface tension in a hands-on way, providing visual and interactive learning. 

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