Evaporation, entropy and the Marangoni effect

For a striking visual representation of entropy, use this demonstration of the Marangoni effect with your 16–18 learners. If the conditions are right, a coloured droplet of alcohol in water placed on a layer of oil will evaporate and explode into a beautiful arrangement of smaller spots, illustrating how chaos can quickly form from order. Use the experiment with your A-level, Highers and Leaving Certificate students.