How to Make a Wave Bottle in Science Class
Make a wave bottle in science class to demonstrate how liquids of different densities don't mix. Liquids that do not mix are called immiscible liquids. A simple experiment demonstrates what happens when water is mixed with oil. Oil is lighter, or less dense, than water. The oil floats on the water.To create an advanced version of this experiment, a variety of other liquids can be substituted for the oil, such as vinegar, corn syrup or maple syrup. Lava lamps are an example of immiscible liquids that don't mix.
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Things You'll Need
- Water
- Cooking oil or mineral oil
- Food coloring
- 16 oz. plastic water bottle
- Small plastic toy
- Aluminum foil
- Corn syrup
- Maple syrup
- Shampoo
- Vinegar
Instructions
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1
Remove the label from a plastic water bottle. Use hot water and soap to remove the glue and paper. Soak the bottle for 15 minutes in hot soapy water. Use glue remover if the glue does not come off with the soapy water.
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2
Fill half of the plastic water bottle with water. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water. Choose your favorite color, or use blue to represent the ocean. Place the cap on the bottle and shake it gently to mix the food coloring in the water. Remove the cap.
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3
Fill the other half of the bottle with oil. Use mineral oil for a clear liquid, or cooking oil for a light yellow color. Notice how the oil sits on top of the water. Place the cap on the water bottle securely. Hold the bottle horizontally. Rock the bottle back and forth and watch the wave action of the liquids. Tap the side of the bottle and notice what happens. The vibration of the tapping starts a wave action in the bottle, just like the wind that creates a wave in the ocean.
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4
Shake the bottle vigorously. Notice that it looks like the water and oil have mixed. Let the bottle sit on a table for several minutes without moving it. Notice how the water and oil separate.
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5
Make little boats out of aluminum foil or wax and place them in the bottle. Try placing different small items such as monopoly pieces or small toys in the bottle. Note what happens to the items. Some of the items will float on the water and some will sink. The items that sink are denser than the water.
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Try mixing different types of liquids together. Experiment with corn syrup, maple syrup, shampoo, vinegar or other liquids that you find around your home.
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Tips & Warnings
Substitute small jars such as baby food jars for a group project.
Place three or four different liquids of varying densities in a bottle to form multiple layers.
Use plastic bottles for safety.
Young children should only work with edible liquids.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit vague ocean pacifique image by binax from Fotolia.com
