Surface Tension Jar - Demonstration Kit

By: Patrick Funk
Pickerington High School, Pickerington, OH


Quickly and easily demonstrate the remarkable properties of surface tension, air pressure, and cohesion using a simple jar. Place a laminated card over the screen-covered mouth of a jar. Flip the jar over and observe as the card stays in place. Remove the card and watch the water appear to “float” on air! This demonstration is very easy to perform, and it shows an incredible amount of science. Complete with instructions and extensions to the activity.

Concepts: Surface tension, air pressure, cohesion.
Time Required: 10 minutes
Materials Provided: Jar, screen, laminated card.