Intermolecular Forces- Liquids and Solids- Will Tissue Hold Water? Interfacial Tension

Will a Tissue Hold Water? Interfacial Tension

Description: Scotchguard is sprayed on a piece of facial tissue and allowed to dry. Water is poured into the tissue,  and the tissue holds the water. Water is poured onto another facial tissue that has not been treated, and the tissue breaks.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1989  Vol: 3  page: 305

Keywords: Scotchguard,  Facial tissue, Water, Hydrophobicity

Rating:

Hazard: Some

• Acute toxicity hazard
• Flammability hazard
• Specific organ toxicity – central nervous system
• Inhalation hazard
• Chemicals that produce flammable gases

Effectiveness: Good

• Results are clearly observable without guidance
• Good connection from demo to course material
• High reliability
• Systems contrast is noticeable
• Time to results is medium
• Primary effects are observed

Difficulty: Some

• Simple procedures
• Some intermediate steps to results
• Careful manipulations required
• Prior training recommended

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves recommended
• Absorbent material on hand
• ABC fire extinguisher on hand
• Perform in a well-ventilated area

Class: Liquids and Solids, Intermolecular Forces, Thermodynamics

Division: General, Physical Chemistry, Material Science

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