Thermodynamics- Surface Tension of Water: The Floating Paper Clip

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
Gloves required
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

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