Lava Lamp Experiment

Front

What is a lava lamp?

Back

A lava lamp is a decorative lamp that contains a colored wax-like substance that moves in a liquid, creating a flowing, lava-like effect when heated.

Front

What materials are needed for a lava lamp experiment?

Back

Water Bottle, Oil, Food Coloring, and Alka-Seltzer.

Front

Why is vegetable oil used in a lava lamp experiment?

Back

Vegetable oil is used because it is less dense than water, allowing for a clear separation between the oil and water layers.

Front

What happens when Alka-Seltzer is added to the water in the lava lamp experiment?

Back

Alka-Seltzer reacts with water to produce carbon dioxide gas, creating bubbles that rise through the oil.

Front

What is the purpose of adding food coloring to the water?

Back

Food coloring is added to make the water visible and distinguishable from the oil.

Front

Why should the jar be filled at least three-quarters full with vegetable oil?

Back

Filling the jar at least three-quarters full with vegetable oil ensures a clear separation between the oil and water layers.

Front

What is the role of the Alka-Seltzer tablet in the lava lamp experiment?

Back

The Alka-Seltzer tablet creates bubbles and simulates a lava lamp effect.

Front

How does temperature affect the movement of the wax in a lava lamp?

Back

Heating the wax makes it less dense, causing it to rise; when it cools, it becomes denser and sinks.

Front

What is density?

Back

Density is the mass of a substance divided by its volume, determining whether it will float or sink in another substance.

Front

What is the chemical reaction that occurs when Alka-Seltzer is added to water?

Back

The reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles.