Surface Tension in Water Experiment
Water molecules are polar. This means they have a positive end and a negative end. In this activity, your student can see how surface tension works and amaze everyone by floating a paper clip on the surface of the water!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Active Time15 minutes mins
- 1 small bowl of water. Fill about 3/4 full of water
- 1 Sheet of paper towel.
- 1 Small paper clip
Drop the paper clip directly into the water. What happens?
Thoroughly dry the paper clip.
Fold the paper towel as shown in the photo.
Put the paper clip in the center of the folded paper towel.
Slowly and gently lower the paper towel into the water and wait as it absorbs the water. The paper towel will begin to drop into the water.
Slowly remove the paper towel up one side of the bowl, and be careful not to touch the paper clip.
The paper clip will then float!