Science question: How can you make bubbles last longer?
Bubbles are made of gas (usually air) that is trapped between layers of soap and water. In this experiment, we’ll make (virtually!) unbreakable bubbles.
Supplies needed:
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup dish detergent, not concentrated
• ½ cup (120ml) corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon rubber cement (optional)
• Glass jar with lid
• Spoon
• Bubble wands
The experiment: Combine the water, detergent, corn syrup and rubber cement in the glass jar. Lightly stir with the spoon. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 12 hours before use so the ingredients are fully mixed. Using the spoon, slowly stir the mixture before use.
Use bubble wands to blow bubbles. Time how much longer the bubbles last and how less likely they are to break than ordinary bubbles.
The outcome: The soap bubbles were harder to pop than ordinary soap bubbles.
Why it worked: Soap molecules are polarised: one side of the molecule loves water (called hydrophilic) and the other side hates water (called hydrophobic). The soap molecules arrange themselves as a bubble around the trapped air. Corn syrup and rubber cement increase the surface tension in the soap bubble, making these bubbles harder to pop than ordinary bubbles.
Variations: • With a gloved hand see if you can catch and even pass the bubbles from person to person. • Bubbles often pop due to evaporation. Blow a bubble into a jar and put the lid on it. In a jar the bubble can last for a longer time.
Tip: For the best bubbles, don’t shake the bubble solution.
Source: The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Rachel Miller, Holly Homer and Jamie Harrington.