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How to Make a Paper Towel Float

Water particles attract and stick to other nearby water particles in all directions. The particles on the surface of a body of water are only able to attract and stick to the water particles below and beside them. This effect allows the water's surface to act as if it has a thin skin. This skin's force is proportional to it's surface area -- the larger the water surface being pushed, the harder it will push back. Therefore, in order for a paper towel to float on water you need to make it as big as possible in order for it to touch as much of the water's surface as possible.

Things You'll Need

2 paperweights
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Rip off one sheet of paper towel. Place the sheet on a counter top or other hard surface. Flatten the towel out as much as possible. Place the paperweights on the edges of the towel. Ensure the towel is perfectly flat and held in position. Wait 24 hours.
- 2
  Fill the bucket with water. Remove the paperweights from the paper towel.
- 3
  Bring the paper towel to the bucket. Do not bend or fold the towel. Slowly and as gently as possible place the entire surface of the towel onto the surface of the water. The "skin" of the water will be too great to overcome, and the towel will be unable to sink.

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