PURPOSE: To demonstrate surface tension propulsion

DESCRIPTION: Pepper flakes are scattered about on a water-filled petri dish set on the overhead projector. With the flakes focused so they are clearly apparent on the screen, a few drops of soap solution are cast upon the center of the surface. The pepper will quickly escape to the perimeter as the soap film spreads.

SETUP TIME: Minimal

COMPONENT LIST:

 Pepper Flakes          Bring them yourself

 Petri Dish             Glassware Shelf

 Soap Solution          Check by the sink in the demonstration room

 Overhead Projector     Should be located in lecture halls

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: See Wake Forest's writeup of this demonstration by clicking HERE.

OTHER NOTES: Thanks to Dave Sturm (formerly of WFU) for this idea.