EIS 2: Chemical Bonding in Bubbles
Chemical bonds are the “glue” that hold atoms together. Three common types of bonds are ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and hydrogen bonds.
In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons. This type of bond is between two non-metals, such as hydrogen and oxygen. Most of the individual molecules that make up the layer of film in the bubble are held together by covalent bonds.
Ionic bonds are not the main focus of this activity, but they are included. They are between a metal cation and a nonmetal anion, which can also be a polyatomic ion. If you were to look at the structure of soap, you would see that it involves a long carbon chain (“tail”) with a “head” that is negatively charged. This negatively charged head associates with a sodium ion. Isn’t it cool how you can find examples of all of these types of bonds in the most unlikely of places?
Hydrogen bonds are between a hydrogen atom and an atom that wants someone else’s electrons. Different molecules of water are held together by hydrogen bonds, which make the bubble strong enough to stay together. The hydrogen of one water molecule is attracted to the oxygen of another water molecule. Soap and other surfactants interfere with hydrogen bonds (in fact, this is the definition of a surfactant!). This makes the water “stretchy” enough to make a bubble. In this activity, you want to find the perfect balance of strength (so the bubble doesn’t break) and stretchiness (so the bubble can form).
This is a “wet lab,” meaning you will be doing it at home rather than on the computer. Make sure to do it in the kitchen, outside, or some other place that can get wet. It is important to clean up after yourself. You will need to buy the materials yourself, but most should be stuff you already have at home. If you have trouble purchasing your supplies for this or any other lab, please contact us as we may be able to offer some small support.
Minimum materials (required): Dish soap, water, a cup, a plate (or flat counter that can get wet), and a straw
Additional materials (optional, but recommended): Glycerin (glycerol), lemon juice, another brand of dish soap, vinegar, oil, carbonated water, distilled water, and any other liquids that you may have easily on hand. Don’t feel like you need to buy a million things, but options are fun! You should only need a very small amount of each.
Procedure
If you’re proud of your work, we want to see it! If you have an Instagram and the permission of your relevant responsible adult, share a photo or video with us @kast_edu, #BubblesKASTEdu. When you’re done, complete the questions below that accompany this activity
In a covalent bond, atoms share electrons. This type of bond is between two non-metals, such as hydrogen and oxygen. Most of the individual molecules that make up the layer of film in the bubble are held together by covalent bonds.
Ionic bonds are not the main focus of this activity, but they are included. They are between a metal cation and a nonmetal anion, which can also be a polyatomic ion. If you were to look at the structure of soap, you would see that it involves a long carbon chain (“tail”) with a “head” that is negatively charged. This negatively charged head associates with a sodium ion. Isn’t it cool how you can find examples of all of these types of bonds in the most unlikely of places?
Hydrogen bonds are between a hydrogen atom and an atom that wants someone else’s electrons. Different molecules of water are held together by hydrogen bonds, which make the bubble strong enough to stay together. The hydrogen of one water molecule is attracted to the oxygen of another water molecule. Soap and other surfactants interfere with hydrogen bonds (in fact, this is the definition of a surfactant!). This makes the water “stretchy” enough to make a bubble. In this activity, you want to find the perfect balance of strength (so the bubble doesn’t break) and stretchiness (so the bubble can form).
This is a “wet lab,” meaning you will be doing it at home rather than on the computer. Make sure to do it in the kitchen, outside, or some other place that can get wet. It is important to clean up after yourself. You will need to buy the materials yourself, but most should be stuff you already have at home. If you have trouble purchasing your supplies for this or any other lab, please contact us as we may be able to offer some small support.
Minimum materials (required): Dish soap, water, a cup, a plate (or flat counter that can get wet), and a straw
Additional materials (optional, but recommended): Glycerin (glycerol), lemon juice, another brand of dish soap, vinegar, oil, carbonated water, distilled water, and any other liquids that you may have easily on hand. Don’t feel like you need to buy a million things, but options are fun! You should only need a very small amount of each.
Procedure
- In your cup, mix together any of your compounds in whatever amounts you think will create the biggest bubble. Stir this mixture with a spoon. Be careful not to shake it.
- Pour your mixture onto a plate (or flat counter that can get wet).
- Put your straw into the bubble and blow into the straw. Be careful not to suck up your mixture!
- The bubble should start to grow. Remember, the goal is to make the biggest bubble, not the most bubbles.
- This should be a lot of fun. We recommend taking pictures!
- You can quantify (put a number to) how big your bubble was by measuring the wet spot that it made on the plate/table.
If you’re proud of your work, we want to see it! If you have an Instagram and the permission of your relevant responsible adult, share a photo or video with us @kast_edu, #BubblesKASTEdu. When you’re done, complete the questions below that accompany this activity