Mad Science Challenge: Sticky Water

Sticky Water

Teach your kids about three forces – gravity, adhesion, and cohesion – with one nifty experiment! You see, water molecules are attracted to each other. This is called cohesion. Water molecules are also attracted to other molecules, like the ones in the string. This is called adhesion. The force of gravity pulls the water down, and the water “sticks” to the string when you pour because of adhesion and cohesion. Go ahead, give it a try! It’s easy, and it looks pretty darn cool!

What you need:

Pitcher of water

Food coloring

Spoon

Cup

Cotton string

Scissors

Tray

Paper towel

What you do:

Step 1: Add a few drops of food coloring to the pitcher of water, and stir to mix.

Step 2: Cut a piece of string about 60cm (2′) long.

Step 3: Soak the string in the colored water.

Step 4: Working over the tray, press one end of the string against the inside of the pitcher’s spout. Press the other end against the inside of the cup. Make sure you pull the string so it is tight.

Step 5: Position the pitcher higher than the cup, and carefully pour. Can you get the water to pour along the string into the cup?

Written By: “Cosmic” Christine, Chief Mad Scientist, Mad Science of so NH & no MA

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