Physicists learn about how materials interact with each other!
Be a physicist today and learn about the importance of hand washing with this fun magic pepper experiment!
Materials:
Bowl of water, pepper, and soap
Time Estimated:
5 minutes
Procedure:
Carefully pour your water into the bowl.
Generously shake the pepper into the water.
Dip a clean finger into the water and observe what happens! How did the pepper flakes react?
Now, place a small amount of soap on the tip of your finger. Dip your finger into the water and…wow! Now what happened to the pepper?
Think Like A Scientist:
Why doesn’t the pepper react until you put soap on your finger?
What else could you put on your finger to make the pepper react like that?
Do you think this would work with salt? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!
How it Works:
Did you notice that the pepper flakes didn’t sink to the bottom of the bowl or dissolve in the water at the beginning of the experiment?
This is because all of the tiny water molecules “hold hands” by linking together to create surface tension.
This surface tension keeps all of the pepper molecules floating on the surface of the water!
BUT, soap can break the surface tension of the water! So, the soap on your finger can break the surface tension and cause the pepper to sink to the bottom of the bowl or scatter to the side!
Why do we care?
The pepper flakes represent germs on your hand! Soap helps you keep germs off so you can stay clean and healthy!
Did you like this experiment? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more fun at home STEM activities for your young scientist? Check out our workbook full of exciting science experiments and empowering activities!
