Penny droplet lab experiment
Water vs soapy water
Instructions
1. Gather all the materials needed for the experiment:
- Penny (cleaned)
- Dropper
- Water
- Soap (liquid or bar)
- Two small containers
- Paper towel or tissue
2. Clean the penny thoroughly using soap and water to remove any dirt or debris that may affect the experiment. Dry the penny completely before proceeding.
3. Fill one small container with water and the other with soapy water. Make sure to label each container accordingly.
4. Position the paper towel or tissue nearby to easily clean any spills or excess liquid.
5. Hold the penny using your fingers or tweezers and place it on a flat, sturdy surface.
6. Use the dropper to gather a small amount of water from the water container. Carefully drop the water onto the center of the penny. Observe for any changes in the droplet's behavior on the penny's surface.
7. Clean the penny using the paper towel or tissue, making sure it is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
8. Repeat Step 6, but this time with the soapy water droplet. Observe any differences in behavior compared to the water droplet.
9. Record your observations, noting any differences in the droplet's shape, spread, movement, or any other noticeable changes.
10. Repeat Steps 6-9 as desired to gather more data for comparison.
11. Clean up the experiment area and dispose of any excess water or soapy water properly.
12. Analyze your data and discuss your observations. Consider factors such as surface tension, interference, and the effects of soap on the behavior of water droplets on different surfaces.