Creating a density jar is a fun and educational science experiment that demonstrates how liquids with different densities layer on top of each other. This project uses common household items.
Materials Needed:
- Clear jar or glass
- Honey
- Corn syrup
- Dish soap
- Olive oil
- Rubbing alcohol
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Here's how to assemble your density jar:
- Prepare the Jar: Make sure your jar is clean and dry.
- Pour Honey: Carefully pour a layer of honey into the bottom of the jar. Aim for a thickness of about 1-2 cm.
- Add Corn Syrup: Slowly pour corn syrup on top of the honey. Try pouring it gently down the side of the jar to avoid mixing. A similar thickness to the honey will work well.
- Introduce Dish Soap: Next, slowly pour dish soap on top of the corn syrup. This should create the next distinct layer.
- Layer Olive Oil: Gently add olive oil on top of the dish soap, again pouring it down the side of the jar to help it separate and layer properly.
- Top with Rubbing Alcohol: Finally, pour the rubbing alcohol on top of the olive oil. This will be the final layer.
Tips for Success
- Pour Slowly: Pouring each liquid slowly and carefully prevents mixing.
- Pour Down the Side: Pouring the liquid down the inside edge of the glass or along a spoon helps it layer more cleanly.
- Wait Between Layers: Give each layer a little time to settle before adding the next, especially after pouring each liquid.
- Observe Carefully: Observe the layers as they form and note how they settle.
Layering Order and Density
The different liquids stack up based on their density, the honey being the densest and the alcohol being the least dense in the list we are using.
| Liquid | Relative Density |
|---|---|
| Honey | Highest |
| Corn Syrup | High |
| Dish Soap | Medium |
| Olive Oil | Low |
| Rubbing Alcohol | Lowest |
By following these simple steps, you can make your own visually appealing density jar and learn about density in a hands-on way. The beautiful rainbow-like jar illustrates how liquids with different densities stack up.
