The Science Behind Bubbles
By: Manuela Lopez
Why are bubbles round?
- Bubbles are round because of the tension in the bubble that shrinks to the smalles size possible depending on the volume of air it contains.
References
What is a bubble and what kind of science does it represent?
Why do they change color?
- Bubbles are defined as "just air wrapped in soap film. Soap film is made from soap and water (or other liquid). The outside and inside surfaces of a bubble consist of soap molecules. A thin layer of water lies between the two layers of soap molecules, sort of like a water sandwich with soap molecules for bread. They work together to hold air inside." (Koontz, R 2013).
- Science have a lot more of science behind them that people now,by blowing a bubble there are several procceses like elasticity, surface tension, chemistry light and even geometry can be learned through it.
- Koontz, R. (2013, December 16). The Science Behind Bubbles - Kids Discover. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
- https://www.google.com.ec/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCM3BrpCYr8gCFckmHgodr9sFvg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovethispic.com%2Fimage%2F9040%2Fbubbles&psig=AFQjCNEF3vOyZOfBf6u6QZL-1LliMVy5mg&ust=1444267037508286
- https://www.google.com.ec/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCM3BrpCYr8gCFckmHgodr9sFvg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovethispic.com%2Fimage%2F9040%2Fbubbles&psig=AFQjCNEF3vOyZOfBf6u6QZL-1LliMVy5mg&ust=1444267037508286
- A bubble gets its color from the light waves that reflect around their structure, they change color because the distance between the layers changes as it evaporates, changing the color scales and reflections.
Why do bubbles stick together?
- Bubbles stick to each other since a bubble tends to minimize its surface area, it will join with others in order to share a common wall.
Interesting Facts
Why do bubbles pop?
- When bubbles are of the same size, they mold perfect hexagons just like it happens in honeycombs.
- The formula for the perfect bubble is "1 cup liquid dish soap like Joy or Dawn (not “ultra”) 6 cups distilled water inside a clean container that has a lid, 1 tablespoon glycerin OR 1/4 cup light corn syrup". (Koontz, R 2013)
- If you blow a bubble in a really cold day, then it ight fly higher because your warm breath inside it is lighter than cold air.
- In extreme coldness, the bubble can freeze and last for a few minutes before it vanishes.
- The main reason why bubbles pop is either because the tension around the air is broken by physical contact or because the water between the soap film evaporates.