Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble

In this Activity, students first create a standard bubble solution by mixing water with liquid dishwashing detergent. They then add different substances to samples of the detergent solution. The solutions are compared to see which produces the longest-lasting bubbles. The Activity is a fun way to introduce the concepts of surface tension, intermolecular forces, and the use of surfactants. It also fits into a discussion of organic molecules such as soaps and detergents, and the concept of how a molecule can be both hydrophilic and hydrophobic.

Citation: 

Journal Staff; 2001, 78, 40A.

Year: 
2001
issue: 
1
Page: 
40A
Article type: