featuresDecember 8, 2016
Hooked on Science: Snowstorm in a bottle
n Bicycle pump with rubber stopper n 1 liter clear plastic bottle n Polystyrene packing peanuts n STEP 1: Completely fill the clear plastic bottle with polystyrene packing peanuts. Describe the packing peanuts by using their observable properties. n STEP 2: Attach the pump to the rubber stopper. Attach the stopper to the clear plastic bottle...Materials
- Bicycle pump with rubber stopper
- 1 liter clear plastic bottle
- Polystyrene packing peanuts
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!
Instructions
- STEP 1: Completely fill the clear plastic bottle with polystyrene packing peanuts. Describe the packing peanuts by using their observable properties.
- STEP 2: Attach the pump to the rubber stopper. Attach the stopper to the clear plastic bottle.
- STEP 3: Pump the bicycle pump five times. Remove the stopper and observe. Describe how the bottle can be used as a model to show how matter is made of particles too small to be seen.
Explanation
Pumping air into the bottle increases the air pressure inside the bottle. Once the rubber stopper is removed, the air rushes out, tearing the packing peanuts into pieces and creating an instant snowstorm.
Story Tags
Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:
For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.
Related
Advertisement
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!
