Making soap bubbles bounce requires both a specially formulated, strong bubble solution and a specific technique using a surface that won't pop the fragile film. Standard bubble solutions often result in bubbles too weak to withstand any contact without bursting.
To achieve bouncing bubbles, you need a solution with increased elasticity and durability, and a surface that interacts gently with the bubble's film.
Crafting the Bouncing Bubble Solution
A key factor in creating bubbles that can bounce is the strength and flexibility of the bubble film itself. Adding ingredients like glycerin and sugar to the basic soap and water mixture helps reinforce the film, making it more resistant to popping upon contact. The provided reference details a robust recipe for such a solution.
Here are the ingredients needed for a high-quality bouncing bubble solution, based on the reference:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | 1 cup | Using distilled water minimizes impurities. |
| Liquid Dishwashing Detergent | 2 tablespoons | Original blue Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent works best due to its specific formulation. |
| Glycerin | 1 tablespoon | Use pure glycerin, not glycerin soap, for flexibility. |
| Sugar (Sucrose) | 1 teaspoon | Sucrose adds extra strength to the film. |
To make the solution, simply combine all ingredients in a clean container and stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is uniform. Avoid creating excessive foam. Let the solution sit for a few hours, or ideally overnight, for best results, allowing the ingredients to fully integrate and air bubbles to dissipate.
You will also need a bubble wand or straw to blow the bubbles.
The Bouncing Technique
Even with a strong solution, bubbles cannot bounce off bare skin or hard surfaces like tables or walls because the rapid surface tension changes cause the film to break instantly. The secret to bouncing is using a material that allows the bubble film to interact gently.
The most common and effective method involves using fabric. Materials like cotton or wool work well because they absorb the slight impact and prevent the rapid spreading of the bubble's film, which would otherwise lead to popping.
- Use Soft Fabric: Wear fabric gloves (like cotton or wool), or hold a piece of cloth that is dry.
- Gentle Contact: Gently touch the bubble with the fabric surface. You can lightly push it upwards to make it bounce.
- Angle and Speed: Experiment with the angle and speed of contact. A soft, glancing touch is often more successful than a direct hit.
The fabric surface provides a soft, yielding medium that temporarily supports the bubble's film without disrupting its delicate structure.
Tips for Successful Bubble Bouncing
- Blow Gently: Don't blow bubbles too hard. A smoothly formed bubble is more durable.
- Allow to Form: Let the bubble detach cleanly from the wand and take its spherical shape before attempting to bounce it.
- Practice: It takes some practice to get the feel for the right amount of force and contact angle.
- Environment: Still air and moderate humidity are ideal conditions. Wind and dry air can make bubbles pop more easily.
By combining the robust solution recipe from the reference with the technique of using a soft, fabric surface, you can successfully make soap bubbles bounce.
