demonstrations:dry_ice_detergent_bubbles
Dry Ice Detergent Bubbles
Materials: ★★★ Requires materials not commonly found in school laboratories
Difficulty: ★☆☆ Can be easily done by most teenagers
Safety: ★★☆ Some safety precautions required to perform safely
Categories: Dry Ice
Alternative titles: Dry Ice Bubbles
Summary
Adding dry ice to warm soapy water produces a steady stream of fog-filled bubbles that overflow from the container. The bubbles are safe to touch and pop.
Procedure
- Put on thick gloves or use tongs to handle dry ice safely.
- Fill a plastic container halfway with warm water.
- Add a squirt of detergent and gently mix.
- (Optional) Add a few drops of food coloring for extra effect.
- Drop a chunk of dry ice into the warm water using tongs.
- Watch as bubbles filled with fog build up and spill over the edge.
- Touch or pop the bubbles to release a puff of mist.
Links
Sublimation - Dry Ice, Detergent and Water - Sarah Jones:
📄 Dry Ice Experiments with Bubbles - Eating Richly: https://eatingrichly.com/dry-ice-experiments-bubbles/
Variations
- Experiment with different water temperatures.
- Allow kids to blow gently on the bubbles or fog to see how air currents affect them.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear thick gloves or use tongs when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite.
- Do not touch dry ice with bare skin.
- Conduct the experiment in a well-ventilated area—carbon dioxide gas can build up in enclosed spaces.
- Never allow children to put dry ice near their mouths.
Questions to Consider
- Why does warm water produce more fog than cold water?
- Why are the bubbles heavier than regular air bubbles?
- How does adding more soap change the experiment?