This weekend I saw a lava lamp at a thrift store and I really wanted to buy it. However, since Denison housing does not allow lava lamps, because they can be a safety hazard unfortunately I did not buy it. As I was looking for an interesting chemistry related video for this post, I came across this one, “Chemistry Experiment: Lava Lamp.” Of course I had to watch it since I still really want a lava lamp. The experiment was actually quite simple. All you needed was water, vegetable oil, food coloring, effervescent tablets and a soda bottle, which can be bought at your local supermarket.
When pouring the water and the vegetable oil, the water sinks to the bottom because it is much denser than the oil. Then, when you add the food coloring it sinks to the bottom, since it is water based and converts the water to the color of the food coloring. The really interesting part is when small pieces of effervescent tablets are added. The carbon dioxide produced by the effervescent tablets takes the water up with it to the surface and the carbon dioxide escapes once it reaches the top, however the water drops back down creating the lava lamp look effect. This experiment does not explain how store bought lava lamps function since they are different; however, it is a really interesting experiment nonetheless. So, have fun creating your own lava lamps!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL51UjegBYI
Submitted by: Naomi Granados
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I love lava lamps! I cannot wait until I can try this during thanksgiving break!!
ReplyDelete-Saul Zamora
This makes me want to try out making a lava lamp. This just goes to that chemistry can be used for almost anything.
ReplyDeleteChris Schroeder