Illustrate polymer properties with a self-siphoning solution

By 2024-04-22T05:38:00

A glass beaker pouring liquid uphill into another

Source: © Declan Fleming

Demonstrate the tubeless siphon with poly(ethylene glycol) and highlight the polymer’s viscoelasticity to your 11–16 learners

Demonstrate polymers’ unusual properties with a self-siphoning, cuttable liquid. Use high molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol), also known as polyox, solution to amaze 11–16 learners when teaching polymers, their applications and properties, such as viscoelasticity.

Although chemistry textbooks typically depict substances as consisting of particles that are spherical in shape, the reality is somewhat more complicated. From proteins to plastics, we can better explain the properties of many materials that we encounter every day in terms of particles resembling chains of beads. Use this model to explain the tubeless siphon and why you can cut this non-Newtonian fluid. Watch the video and download the technician notes for tips, a full kit list and health and safety information.

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