Floating Paper Clip

A paperclip, normally too dense to float, can rest on the surface of water by using tissue paper and surface tension.

1. Fill a bowl with clean water.
2. Attempt to place a paperclip on the surface, notice that it sinks.
3. Tear a small piece of tissue paper and place it on the water’s surface.
4. Carefully set a dry paperclip flat on top of the tissue, avoiding direct contact with the water.
5. Push down the tissue until it sinks.
6. Adding a drop of detergent will cause the paperclip to sink because the surface tension has been broken.

Floating Paper Clip (Surface tension) Experiment - Kids Fun Science:

📄🎞️ Make a paperclip float - Science Bob: https://sciencebob.com/make-a-paperclip-float/

* Test how many paperclips the water surface can hold before it breaks.

• Try bending the paperclip into different shapes to see if it changes floating ability.
• Compare water to other liquids (such as milk, juice, or soda) to test which has stronger surface tension.

None

• Why does the paperclip sink when placed directly into the water?
• How does surface tension allow the paperclip to stay on top of the water?
• Why does the tissue paper sink while the paperclip remains floating?
• Which liquids seem to have the strongest surface tension?
• How do insects like water striders use surface tension in their environment?