Balloon Full of Carbon Dioxide
Effect of Pressure on Melting Point of Ice
The Liquid Phase of Carbon Dioxide
Vapor Pressure on Pure Liquids
Boiling Acetone at Reduced Pressure
Magic Sand Models the Hydrophobic Effect
Surface Tension: Floating Duck
Surface Tension of Water: The Floating Paper Clip
Will Tissue Hold Water? Interfacial Tension
Computer NaCl Crystal Cleavage
Variation of Volume of Water With Temperature
Surface Spreading and Surface Tension
Gel Formation with Sodium Alginate and Calcium Chloride
Boiling Acetone or Water at Room Temperature
Density of Sulfur Hexafluoride and Sublimation of Certain Gases
Surface Tension of Water: The Floating Paper Clip
Description: A paper clip is carefully placed on the water surface. It sinks when detergent is added to the water surface.
Source: Summerlin, L.R. and Ealy, J.L. Chemical Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers; 2nd Edition
Year: 1985 Vol: 2 Page: 19
Keywords: Float, Paper clip, Surface tension, Detergent
Rating: 
Hazard: Low
- Breakage hazard
Effectiveness: Good
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Clear contrast between behavior of systems
- Time to results is low
- Moderate reliability
- Results are difficult to perceive
Difficulty: Medium
- Careful manipulations required
- Clean equipment required
- Simple procedures
- Clean gloves required during performance
- Demos in which a display is used
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Absorbent material on hand
Class: Liquids and Solids, Intermolecular Forces, Thermodynamics
Division: General, Physical Chemistry
Return to General Chemistry Demonstrations