Observations and results In this activity you combined oil and water then observed how adding dish detergent changed the properties of this mixture. First you should have noticed that when you added the oil to the water they did not mix together. Instead the oil created a layer on the surface of the water. This is because oil is less dense than water and therefore it floats to the surface. These beads, however, did not mix with the water. The detergent molecules can form bonds with both water and oil molecules.
This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies. Already a subscriber? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Materials 2 clear plastic water bottles with lids 2 cups of water One-half cup of oil olive, cooking or vegetable oils will all work Liquid dishwashing soap Clock or timer Permanent marker Measuring cup Measuring spoon Food coloring optional Preparation Remove any labels from your water bottles.
We sent you SMS, for complete subscription please reply. Follow Twitter Instagram Facebook. Why don't oil and water mix? What are polar molecules? How does an emulsifier get water and oil to mix? Wonder What's Next? Try It Out Oil and water may not mix, but you're sure to have a good time together if you explore the following activities with a friend or family member: Do oil and water really not mix? Find out for yourself!
Grab a clear glass from the cupboard at home and fill it with water. Pour a small amount of cooking oil into the glass and watch what happens. Do they mix? Draw or paint a picture of what your glass looks like after you pour the oil into it. For fun, you can experiment making interesting concoctions by using different types of oil and adding food coloring to your glass of water.
Is there any way to get oil and water to become friendlier and mix together? Take your experimentation a step further by jumping online to try the Mixing Oil and Water experiment. You'll also need some dishwashing liquid or detergent. What effect does this new ingredient have on oil and water mixing together? Have fun experimenting! Do you know any people who sometimes act like oil and water?
From time to time, you'll probably notice that some people just can't seem to interact and get along together. What is it about these people that makes them act like oil and water? Do you know anyone like this? Brainstorm some ideas that might help you help them get past their differences. Can you be the dishwashing liquid or detergent that brings people together?
Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words polar charge saying dissolved emulsifier attract molecule emulsion bond Take the Wonder Word Challenge.
Join the Discussion. Make a lava lamp with oil and water. Science Sparks Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.
These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely. If you put oil and water in a container, the water molecules will bunch up together and the oil molecules will bunch up together, forming two distinct layers.
To get around the propensity of oil and water molecules to only pal around with each other, you'll have to make an emulsion , dispersing one of the liquids in the other. It's possible to create an unstable emulsion through vigorous shaking or mixing ; an example would be an oil-and-water vinaigrette, which separates if left too long on the table. To get a stable emulsion, you'll have to add an emulsifier. An emulsifier is a molecule that has a hydrophobic non-polar end and a hydrophilic end.
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