Rainbow in a Jar

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 Ages: 8-12

Objective: Demonstrate the concept of density and how liquids of different densities can stack on top of each other to create a colorful rainbow effect.

Materials Needed:

  1. A clear glass jar or tall glass
  2. Honey (or corn syrup)
  3. Dish soap (liquid)
  4. Water
  5. Vegetable oil
  6. Food coloring (various colors)
  7. A spoon or a dropper

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the Jar:

    • Start with a clean, clear jar or glass.

  2. Add the First Layer:

    • Pour a layer of honey into the bottom of the jar. This will be your densest layer. Let it settle.

  3. Add the Second Layer:

    • Mix a few drops of food coloring into the dish soap. Gently pour the colored dish soap over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the honey. Be careful to pour slowly to avoid mixing the layers.

  4. Add the Third Layer:

    • Mix a few drops of food coloring into the water. Slowly pour the colored water over the back of the spoon so it floats on top of the dish soap layer.

  5. Add the Fourth Layer:

    • Mix a few drops of food coloring into the vegetable oil. Carefully pour the colored oil over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the water layer.

Observation:

  • You should see distinct layers of color stacked in the jar, with each layer floating on top of the one below it.

Explanation:

  • Each liquid has a different density, which is why they don’t mix and create distinct layers. Honey is the densest, so it stays at the bottom, followed by dish soap, water, and oil, which are progressively less dense. The food coloring helps to visualize the separate layers.

Extensions:

  1. Layering Variations:

    • Try adding additional layers with different liquids or change the order of the layers to see if the result is different.

  2. Density Experimentation:

    • Test other liquids with varying densities, such as milk or alcohol, and see how they affect the layering.

  3. Color Mixing:

    • Experiment with different color combinations to create new visual effects.

Safety Note:

  • This experiment is safe and easy to clean up. Ensure that children do not ingest any of the materials and handle the jar carefully to avoid spills.

This experiment provides a visual and interactive way to understand the concept of density and how liquids with different densities can create beautiful, distinct layers.

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