Moving Liquids with Electricity
Description: The path of a stream of water flowing slowly from a buret is deflected by bringing a charged rubber or glass rod near the stream. This is often mistakenly attributed to the polar water molecule rather than its high dielectric constant.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1 CD-Rom
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1989 Vol: 3 Page: 329
Keywords: Overhead projector, Liquids, Dielectric properties of, Polar vs Nonpolar molecules, Polarizibility
Rating: 
Hazard: Low
- No toxic chemicals
- Breakage hazard
- Electric shock hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are difficult to observe
- Demo somewhat connected to course material
- Video feed required
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Time to result is low
- High reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Precise manipulations are required
- Procedures are simple
- Demos in which display is used
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Use UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
Class: Bonding, Intermolecular Forces, Quantum Mechanics
Division: General, Physical Chemistry
Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations| Physical Chemistry Demonstrations