Layer different liquids in a tube and discover how and why they settle in a particular order. Density is a comparison between an object’s mass and volume. Different liquids have different densities and, therefore, different weights. The heaviest liquids will sink, the lighter liquids will rise to the top. Remember the equation:
Based on this, if the weight – or mass – increases but the volume stays the same, the density has to go up. Lighter liquids, like water, are less dense than heavy liquids, like honey, and so float on top of the more dense layers.
Ingredients:
- A test tube
- Honey
- Oil
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
- Dish soap
- Two shades of food coloring
STEP 1
Start by adding food coloring to the rubbing alcohol and to the water – using a different shade for each. This will allow you to identify each liquid.
STEP 2
Measure out equal quantities of each liquid. Add them to the tube, one by one.
