Explosions underwater
Today, we’re embarking on an exciting and colorful experiment that will reveal the magical dance between water, oil, and food coloring. Get ready to witness the mesmerizing effects of density and immiscibility as we create a miniature spectacle right in your very own cup. This hands-on activity is not only visually captivating but also teaches us about the unique properties of these everyday materials. So, grab your materials and let’s dive into the world of science and art combined!
Materials:
- Cup of water
- Oil
- Food coloring
- Pipette
- Stirring stick
What to do?
- Pour water into the cup almost to the top.
- Add a little oil (about one tablespoon).
- Stir slightly to create bubbles in the oil.
- Using a pipette, drop color into the oil.
How does this happen?
Food coloring dissolves in water but not in oil. When we drop color into the oil, it doesn’t mix with the oil but floats in it.
Since oil is less dense than water, it will float above it. The food colors, similar in density to water, gradually sink in the oil until they reach the water layer. Once they reach the water, they will dissolve in it, creating an effect that looks like a color explosion.
Stirring the oil and creating bubbles help the color drops to sink faster into the oil.
If you liked this experiment, make sure you checkout my lava lamp experiment!
We’d love to showcase your creativity!
Share pictures of your experiments with us, and together, we can inspire young scientists everywhere!
