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What to do:
Dip the
geometric figures into the bubble solution and take them out to discover the
different patterns of bubbles in the shapes.
What’s going on and why:
In the cube shape, if a bubble is caught in the
middle of the cube, a perspective shadow of a 4-dimensional cube appears. The spiral shape is related to the shape of
a DNA strand.
The 3-dimensional triangle is known as a tetrahedral bond, which is the secret to a diamond’s strength.
The bubbles
form because of the surface tension of water.
Water alone is too weak to make bubbles. Adding soap reduces surface tension and slows evaporation. Glycerin is also added to help strengthen
the bubbles.
Normal
bubbles always surround the most air with the least amount of solution needed,
thus a bubble is always round. When a
round bubble is caught in the shapes, the bubble takes different shapes. The bubble tries to maintain its minimum
shape, therefore the smaller bubble is formed on the inside of the larger
shape.
Constructing the Bubble Shapes Exhibit
Related Exhibit: Encase Yourself in a Bubble Home Page
Related Exhibit: Soap Film Painting Home Page