Book 1, Question 124
Why Do Bubbles Pop? A Thin Skin of Water!
A bubble is a thin water skin with air inside. Soap makes that skin stretchy, but when the skin dries or gets poked, the air rushes out and the bubble pops. The page says a bubble pops when its wall gets too thin. Blow one bubble and watch how long it lasts!
More fun facts
- Put your ear near a bubble and you might hear a tiny, high-pitched pop when it bursts.
- Scientists used groups of microphones to record that pop and learn the physics behind it.
- The sound comes from a sudden change in pressure as the soap film lets go of the air inside.
- A bubble burst starts with a small break in the soapy film.
- Scientists found that adding long-chain molecules called polymers helps giant bubbles stretch without ripping.
- One polymer that works well is guar, which is also used to thicken ice cream and pudding.
Sources: Science News Explores, Science News Explores
Questions kids ask
Do bubbles make a sound when they pop?
Yes, a tiny high-pitched pop that scientists have recorded with microphones.
How do people make giant bubbles?
Adding a polymer like guar to bubble mix helps them stretch without ripping.