Write your secret message in an invisible ink solution. Lemon juice is an organic substance that reacts with oxygen in the surrounding air, oxidizes, and turns brown. By placing the paper right next to the lamp, we speed up the oxidization process. The heat from the lamp causes the chemical bonds to break down.
Oxidization affects lots of different surfaces, from metal to living tissue. A freshly-cut apple that turns brown, a bicycle that becomes rusty or a copper penny that turns green. Not all oxidation is bad – but think about choosing the right materials when designing a product for a particular use.
Ingredients:
- A lemon
- A bowl
- Water
- A spoon
- A paint brush
- A lamp, or other light bulb
STEP 1
Squeeze lemon juice into the bowl and add a few drops of water. Stir with the spoon.
STEP 2
Dip the paint brush into the juice mixture and write a message on the paper.
STEP 3
Allow the paper to dry completely. Your message should become invisible.
STEP 4
Hold the paper very close to the light bulb to heat up the message area (adult supervision required). Watch your message appear.
