How to Make a Paperclip Repel in Water With Soap

Many children are captivated by the subject of science. If you have a little scientist at home, conduct an experiment that will amaze her. Making a paperclip move in water is based on the surface tension that results from the positive and negative charges of water molecules; the surface tension supports the paperclip, and adding soap disrupts it, causing the paperclip to repel from the surface of the water to the bottom. This is a simple experiment that requires only basic materials.

Things You'll Need

• Cup or bowl
• Paperclip
• Liquid soap
• Water
• Towel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill a medium-sized cup or bowl with water. The cup or bowl should be full enough that the water forms a slight dome at the top.

   • 2

     Lay a paperclip flat against the cup's edge, keeping hold of it. Slide the paper clip slowly and gently towards the middle of the cup, along the top of the water; the paperclip will float.

   • 3

     Make the paperclip repel, diving to the bottom of the cup of water, by adding a drop of liquid soap to the water.