Making a 9 Layer
Density Column!
Have you ever seen a tower made of
different kinds of liquids all stacked up on top of each other?
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This is possible by using liquids with
different densities; how closely packed the molecules are!
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In this experiment, we create a 9 Layer Density Column and then test household items to see how they stack up.
Making a 9 Layer Density Column!
Materials
Liquid Materials
Equal portions of liquid material, we’re using a half cup of each:
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Honey
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Corn syrup
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Maple syrup
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Whole milk
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Dish soap
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Water
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Vegetable oil
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Rubbing alcohol
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Lamp oil
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Other Materials:
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Clear column container
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9 ramekins or cups
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Turkey baster
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Food colouring
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You’ll want small household items of varying weight to test their density against the liquid column. Some examples are:
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Marble
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Popcorn kernel
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Game Die
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Plastic soda cap
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birthday candle
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screw
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strawberry.
Procedure
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POUR EQUAL AMOUNTS OF EACH LIQUID INTO CONTAINERS.
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WEIGH THE LIQUIDS AND RECORD THE WEIGHT. PUT THEM IN ORDER FROM HEAVIEST TO LIGHTEST.
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CAREFULLY POUR THE HEAVIEST INTO YOUR COLUMN CONTAINER. USE THE TURKEY BASTER TO CAREFULLY ADD THE REST, IN ORDER OF HEAVIEST TO LIGHTEST.
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AFTER YOUR COLUMN IS BUILT, DROP YOUR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS IN, ONE AT A TIME, AND SEE WHERE THEY STACK UP!
THIS EXPERIMENT IS GREAT FOR BEGINNER EXPLORERS,
USES HOUSEHOLD INGREDIENTS, CAN BE MESSY AND
REQUIRES ADULT SUPERVISION. TIME AND PATIENCE
WILL BE REQUIRED.
