bubbles

     Bubbles 

During our last class we read the book the bubble factory by Tomie Depaola. After reading the bubble factory, as a class we came up with questions that children might ask about bubbles. Everyone loves bubbles, and are curious about how they work. Here are the questions we came up with in class, but now with answers:

Bubble questions: 

1. Why do they float?
1.  Bubbles float due to the more dense element of carbon dioxide. 
2. Why are they circular?
1.  Bubbles are circular because of surface tension. This tries to pack the molecules as tight as possible, and that formation is a sphere. 
3. Can bubbles be other shapes?

1.  You can't blow a bubble into a different shape, surface tension will always try to condense the bubble. Although if you create a 3D shape, and dip it into a bubble solution, you can see the bubble inside. 
4. How much do bubbles weigh? 
1.  Bubbles can be all different weights depending on their size. If you really wanted to figure out the average weight of your bubbles you could weigh your solution, blow some bubbles, count your bubbles, weigh your solution again, subtract your amount you used, then divide the amount of bubbles by your weight of the mixture.  
5. What about their color? 
1.  the colors on a bubble are all reflections of light. Different amounts of soap effect the colors that are being reflected onto the bubble.
6. What makes the best bubbles?
1.  There are many different bubble solutions. Some solutions do different things for the bubbles, some make the bubbles float higher, others make the bubbles more durable, and many other characteristics. One solution for a durable bubble is: 2 cups hot water, 1/4 cup dish soap, 1 (.25 oz)  packet gelatin, and 2 tablespoons of glycerin.
7. Can bubbles freeze? 
1.  Yes! It has to be below 5 degrees celsius though. 

Bubble Books: