Bubble wand trouble

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kmiliano
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Joined: Sun Nov 12, 2017 5:34 pm
Occupation: Teacher

Bubble wand trouble

Post by kmiliano »

My sixth graders are currently involved in a STEM unit in which they are designing (in Tinkercad) and printing (with a 3D printer) bubble wands. We have a lollipop design that does not work and we cannot figure out why. The circle is doughnut-shaped. Circles with straight sides seem to make bubbles better. Can you help us understand why? Thank you!
norman40
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Re: Bubble wand trouble

Post by norman40 »

Hello kmiliano,

I'm guessing that a workable bubble wand needs to have enough surface area to scoop up a bit of bubble solution. Maybe the straight-sided circles work better because they have more surface area.
Perhaps one of the other experts will chime in with a better answer.

I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman
cumulonimbus
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Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:23 am
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Re: Bubble wand trouble

Post by cumulonimbus »

Hi kmiliano,

Bubbles hold their shape due to a sufficient amount of surface tension. My guess is that the bubble solution has a harder time clinging to the curvature of the circle (thus reducing surface tension) than it does for the geometric shapes. I hope this is helpful!

Elena
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