Code Number: 2A30.13
Demo Title: Surface Tension - Boat
Condition: Excellent
Principle: Surface Tension
Area of Study: Fluids
Equipment:
Evaporating dish, toothpicks, liquid soap, paper boat cut out of index card.
Procedure:
Place the paper boat in the water. Place a drop of liquid soap on a toothpick and touch to the water at one of the edges of the boat. The boat will seem to race away from the toothpick.
References:
- Billy Tolar, "Surface Tension", TPT, Vol. 26, # 9, Dec. 1988, p. 586.
- Charles Vivian, "Propelling a Toy Boat with Detergent", Science Experiments & Amusements For Children, p. 52.
- Janice VanCleave, "89, Spiral Whirl", Teaching the Fun of Physics, p. 133.
- Janice VanCleave, "90, Soap Boat", Teaching the Fun of Physics, p. 134.
- Scotty Ellerbee, "Demonstrating Surface Tension", PIRA Newsletter, Vol. 3, # 17, p. 7, 1/25/90.
- Jearl Walker, "2.150, Shaver Clippings and Camphor Boats on Water", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 145.