13 Demonstration: Disappearing Water
Supplies:
Cup that is not clear
A couple diapers – see Prep
1/4 cup water
Question: What do you think will happen when I pour water in this cup then turn if over (my head if you are brave)?
Prep: Between the leg holes of the diaper, cut open the sides and extract the fluff and power into a bag. This contains the water absorbent polymer.
Directions: Add power to cup. Add water. Invert cup. The water should form a polymer with the powder and stay in the cup.
Theory: Inside diapers is a powder called sodium polyacrylate that forms a gel and absorbs a large amount of water.
Grades: 1st- 4th
Time: 5 minutes
Clean-Up: Diaper polymer can be put in garbage
Notes and Hints: Practice ahead of time. Turn it upside down over table, but over your own head is more fun. You may also order sodium polyacrylate instead of sourcing it from a diaper.
Image Credit: https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/adventures-in-chemistry/experiments/diapers.html
Media Attributions
- diaper