Density Tower

Different household liquids are carefully poured into a jar to form distinct layers, each floating above the denser liquid below. This experiment visually demonstrates how density determines whether substances sink, float, or layer.

- Gather a clear jar and the following liquids: honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, milk, liquid soap, water, vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol.

1. Begin by pouring about 1 cm of honey into the jar, keeping it away from the sides.
2. Slowly add corn syrup on top of the honey and wait for the layers to separate.
3. Continue with maple syrup, milk, and soap, pouring each gently over the previous layer.
4. Color the water with food dye for visibility, then add it carefully using a spoon or dropper.
5. Add vegetable oil as the next layer.
6. Finally, use a dropper to place rubbing alcohol on top.
7. Observe the colorful, distinct liquid layers in the jar.
8. Add some common household items to the tower to see if they float between layers. Good examples to use include popcorn, a dice, a tomato, plastic beads and other pieces of plastic.

Seven Layer Density Column Experiment (Chemistry) - BeardedScienceGuy:

How to Make an Impressive 8 Layer Density Tower - TheDadLab:

📄 Density Tower - KiwiCo: https://www.kiwico.com/diy/stem/quick-easy-experiments/density-tower?srsltid=AfmBOooRn1FsPQwXQm2NeKLETm0geNtbgJrTuEjIyGWK7T-ht2unhUrY

📄 Amazing 9 Layer Density Tower - Steve Spangler: https://stevespangler.com/experiments/density-tower-magic-with-science/

🎞️ VIDEO_TITLE - Author: VIDEO_LINK

• Test other liquids such as vinegar or molasses to compare their densities.
• Drop in small objects (grape, raisin, cherry tomato, peanut) to see where they settle.
• Dye each liquid with different food coloring for a rainbow effect.

* Do not drink or taste any of the liquids.

• Supervise children when handling rubbing alcohol.
• Work on a surface that can be cleaned easily in case of spills.

• Why does each liquid form its own layer instead of mixing? (Because liquids with different densities do not readily mix and will stack with the densest on the bottom.)
• What would happen if you stirred the tower? (The liquids would mix temporarily, but over time they may separate again depending on solubility.)
• How does the density of an object determine whether it sinks, floats, or stays between layers? (Objects sink if denser than the liquid they are in, and float if less dense.)
• Why does a balloon filled with helium rise while a rock sinks? (Because helium is less dense than air, while rock is denser than water or air.)