Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Demonstrate Vanishing Water

Magicians and students performing science experiments often use the ̶0;vanishing water̶1; trick, which is also referred to as ̶0;Cold as Ice.̶1; This trick is accomplished using a compound called sodium polyacrylate. To perform it, you'll need only a few supplies. It's important, however, to master the trick before performing it in front of an audience.

Things You'll Need

Cups
Water
Pitcher
Sodium polyacrylate
Table salt (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase sodium polyacrylate. It can usually be found at nurseries or hardware stores and is typically sold as ̶0;moisture-saving pellets.̶1; You can also find it inside a disposable baby diaper. Open up a diaper and remove the contents, which you can save until you're ready to perform the trick.
- 2
  Use an opaque cup. If the water inside is visible, your spectators may see the compound as you're performing the trick. Disposable cups work well.
- 3
  Fill a pitcher with water. You'll need at least enough to fill the cup halfway, but you can add as much as you want.
- 4
  Place 1 tbsp. sodium polyacrylate into the cup. When it's mixed with water, it will turn into a solid that acts as a sponge and absorbs moisture. This compound normally absorbs between 500 to 1000 times its weight in water. Don't let anyone see that the compound is in the cup. Determine exactly how much sodium polyacrylate you'll need for the amount of water you're using.
- 5
  Pour water into the cup. Fill the cup about halfway. Wait for several seconds before proceeding. Run your hands over the cup as a magician would; this will buy you some time.
- 6
  Tilt the cup to show the audience that the water has disappeared. Don't turn the cup completely upside down; if the compound hasn't completely gelled, it may leak out, ruining the trick.
- 7
  Reverse the reaction. If you'd like the water to reappear, simply add 1 tbsp. of table salt to the cup.

Science