Permanent Marker Patterns that float on water:

SCIENCE BEHIND IT:

The patterns created by a permanent marker on a plastic spoon floating on water are
due to a phenomenon known as surface tension and hydrophobicity.
Permanent markers typically contain a solvent-based ink that consists of pigments
and resins. The resins in the ink make it adhere to surfaces and dry quickly, creating
a durable mark. When you draw on a plastic spoon with a permanent marker, the
ink forms a layer on the surface of the spoon.
When the ink-covered spoon is gently placed on water, several factors come into
play. First, water has a high surface tension, which is the cohesive force between
water molecules at the surface. This surface tension causes water to resist the
intrusion of foreign substances.
Second, the ink on the plastic spoon is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water.
Hydrophobic substances, such as the resins in the ink, tend to minimize contact with
water and form droplets or beads on its surface.
When the ink-covered spoon is placed on water, the hydrophobic ink resists mixing
with the water due to its repelling properties. The high surface tension of the water
helps to keep the ink layer intact and prevents it from immediately spreading or
dissolving.
As a result, the ink remains as a distinct layer on the water's surface, creating
patterns or designs that float over the water. The surface tension of the water holds
the ink layer together, and the hydrophobic nature of the ink prevents it from fully
mixing or dissolving in the water.
EXPAIN TO KIDS LIKE THIS:
"Imagine you have a cup of water. Have you ever noticed how water forms a sort of
'skin' on the surface? That's called surface tension. Surface tension is like a thin layer
or cover that forms on the top of the water.
Think of the water molecules as tiny friends who really like to stick together. They
hold hands and make a tight group. This makes the surface of the water feel like a
stretchy sheet.
Surface tension is what allows some small things to float on water. For example, if
you drop a paperclip or a small bug very gently on the water's surface, it may sit
there instead of sinking right away. That's because the surface tension is strong
enough to hold them up.
But if you push too hard or drop something big, the surface tension can break, and
things sink into the water. That's why if you splash or jump into a pool, the water
doesn't stay perfectly smooth.
Surface tension also helps certain insects, like water striders, walk on water. Their
long, thin legs distribute their weight over a larger area, so they don't break the
surface tension.
So remember, surface tension is like a special layer on the water's surface that makes
it a little bit stretchy and helps small things float. It's an amazing property of water!"
SOME MORE EXAMPLES
1. Water Droplet on a Coin: Place a clean, dry penny or any coin on a flat
surface. Carefully add a drop of water onto the surface of the coin. Observe
how the water forms a dome-like shape on the coin instead of spreading out.
Explain that this is due to the surface tension of water, which allows it to hold
together and form a rounded shape.
2. Floating Paperclip: Fill a small container or bowl with water. Take a paperclip
and gently place it on the surface of the water. Observe how the paperclip
floats on the water without sinking. Explain that the surface tension of the
water is strong enough to support the paperclip's weight and keep it afloat.
3. Soap and Pepper Experiment: Fill a shallow dish with water. Sprinkle some
ground black pepper on the surface of the water. Then, dip a cotton swab or
toothpick into dish soap and touch it gently to the surface of the water, near
the pepper. Observe how the pepper flakes move away from the soap.
Explain that the soap disrupts the surface tension of the water, causing the
pepper flakes to move to the edges of the dish.
4. Making Water Bridges: Take two small cups or containers and fill them with
water. Place them close to each other. Using a dropper or straw, carefully add
drops of water to form a bridge connecting the two cups. Observe how the
water droplets create a bridge between the cups due to surface tension.
Explain that surface tension holds the water droplets together, allowing them
to form a connection.
5. Bubble Solution Experiment: Prepare a bubble solution using water and dish
soap. Dip a wire loop or a straw into the solution and gently blow to create
bubbles. Observe how the soap bubbles form and hold their shape. Explain
that the surface tension of the soapy water allows it to form a thin film that
traps air and creates bubbles.