How can water rise inside of an upside down glass? Let’s find out in this really cool science experiment!
Supplies:
a cup of water
an empty glass
a tray
safety googles
Directions:
1️⃣ Put on your safety goggles.
2️⃣ Mix a few drops of food coloring into the water.
3️⃣ Pour the water into the tray.
4️⃣ Put the unlit candle to float in the water.
5️⃣Light the candle. Adult supervision required.
6️⃣Place your empty glass over the lit candle.
7️⃣Observe as the water begins to rise slowly until the candle is out, then it rises fast.
Why does the water rise in an upside down glass?
According to @stevespanglerscience, it’s because of air pressure! When the candle is lit and a glass is placed upside down, the air inside 1) becomes warm, 2) expands, and 3) escapes out the bottom of the glass. When the flame goes out, the remaining air in the glass cools (and takes up less space) and creates a lower air pressure inside of the glass compared to the outside of the glass. This leads to the air pressure wanting to be equalized which causes the air on the outside (and the water along with it) to be rushed in so that the air pressure is now equal in the inside and the outside.
Watch our video below:
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*Adult Supervision Is Required For All Activities*
