Explosive Decomposition of Nitrogen Triiodide
Volume Increase Upon Neutralization
Dissolution of a Binary Mixture
Shapes of Soap Films and Bubbles
Surface Spreading and Surface Tension
Surface Tension of Water: The Floating Paper Clip
Will a Tissue Hold Water? Interfacial Tension
Surface Tension: Floating Duck
Effect of Heating a Rubber Band and a Spring
Surface Tension With Oil and Pepper
Household Chemical Density Column
Evaporation as an Endothermic Process
Surface Spreading and Surface Tension
Description: Drops of mineral oil and olive oil placed on water are compared for their spreading properties.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1989 Vol: 3 Page: 301
Keywords: Surface tension, Water, Olive Oil, Mineral Oil
Rating: 
Hazard: Low
- Nonreactive reagents
- Standard conditions
- No use of toxic chemicals
- Electric shock hazard if display is used
Effectiveness: Good
- Clear contrast between behavior of systems
- Low failure rate
- Results are clearly observable
- Good connection from demo to course material
Difficulty: Medium
- Simple adding of nonreactive agents
- Demos in which a display is used
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection
- Gloves recommended
- Use UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
Class: Intermolecular Forces, Inter-Phase Forces, Thermodynamics
Division: General, Physical Chemistry
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