What is the science behind the walking water experiment?

The Science Behind the Walking Water Experiment Essentially, the adhesive force between the paper towel and the water are more powerful than the cohesive force inside the water itself. This results in the paper towel pulling the water up.

Why does the colored water absorb into the paper towels in the walking water experiment?

This rainbow science experiment is as magic as the science behind it. The colored water travels up the paper towel by a process called capillary action. Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow upward, against gravity, in narrow spaces.

How long does walking water experiment take?

How long does the walking water experiment take? The walking water experiment does not take long. In about 5 to 10 minutes, the color will move up the paper towel and start to fill the jar next to it.

Why does water climb a paper strip?

The water also sticks to itself. That’s called cohesion. Both of these sticky forces – adhesion and cohesion – cause the water to travel up the paper towel, moving against gravity. When the water reaches the ink, it dissolves some of the dyes in the ink, and the dyes travel up the paper towel with the water.

What would happen if you put the paper towel into the water up to 2 inches?

As water molecules are attracted to the fibers of the paper towel, they pull other water molecules with them. The adhesive forces between the water and the fibers of the paper towel are stronger than the cohesive forces between the water molecules.

Why does water go up a paper towel?

Capillary action occurs because water is sticky, thanks to the forces of cohesion (water molecules like to stay close together) and adhesion (water molecules are attracted and stick to other substances). Dip a paper towel into a glass of water and the water will “climb” onto the paper towel.

How do you make a rainbow with a glass of water?

Instructions

1. Fill the glass with water.
2. Put the mirror into the water inside the glass at an angle.
3. Position the glass so that sunlight shines directly at the mirror.
4. Look for a reflection on the wall.
5. Adjust the angle of the mirror until you see a rainbow on the wall.

How do you make a rainbow with a glass of water and paper?

Instructions:

1. Fill the glass almost to the top with water.
2. If you are using sunlight, place the glass so that it is half on and half off the edge of a table, and so that the sun shines directly through the water, onto a sheet of white paper on the floor.
3. Adjust the paper and the glass until a rainbow forms on the paper.

What to do with coffee cups and crayons?

If you are a long time reader of Coffee Cups and Crayons (high five!) then you already know that we strongly believe in simple fun and learning. You probably already have most of the supplies needed for these experiments in your kitchen cupboards right now.

What’s the best way to experiment with rainbows?

Use just two or three colors and watch how they mix. Experiment to see which brand of paper towel lets the water travel the fastest or slowest. After the experiment, let your paper towel dry out. Laminate it to make a cool bookmark or Suncatcher. Want more rainbow science fun?

Is the walking water experiment a fun experiment?

[…] walking water is a fun experiment (which can be seen here or here), relating to colour mixing and understanding surface tension/capillary action. It can be made as […]

What can kids do with colored water walk?

Kids can watch the colored water walk along paper towels and fill an empty glass. It’s very cool! Affiliate links for supplies used below. Choose the colors you want to mix.