Measuring Surface Tension

For the introductory teacher demonstration:

• a can of paint, motor oil or other fluid
• a container into which you can pour the above fluid

Each group needs:

• 1 ring stand with support ring attached
• capillary tubes of various diameters; suggested sources: McMaster-Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/ or Vitrocom http://www.vitrocom.com/
• large Petri dish
• twist-ties
• water and dark food coloring
• ruler
• eye protection (glasses or goggles) for each student
• Measuring Surface Tension Worksheet (PDF), one per person