Sail a metal boat

 

Surface tension is one of water’s most important properties. This ability of water to stick to itself is why water drops form. It also causes a skin called the meniscus to form along the water’s surface. Did you know that breaking up the surface tension can put objects in motion? Here’s an experiment that proves it. Be sure to have an adult help you!

You Will Need:

What To Do:

  1. Cut the aluminum foil into the shape of a powerboat, keeping it only about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long.
  2. Gently place the boat into the sink of clean water.
  3. Squeeze a drop of dishwashing liquid onto the water behind your boat.
  4. Watch as your boat moves.

Results:

When you add the soap, it breaks up the surface tension in the water behind the aluminum foil, pushing the boat forward. That’s the same way some pond insects skim along the surface of the water. They’re light enough that surface tension can hold them up, and they use their legs to break up the surface tension just enough to move.