Pop Goes The Geyser

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ellie865
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:21 am
Occupation: Student
Project Question: Pop Goes The Geyser. When the flask at the bottom is full and the water in the glass tube comes down , I cant keep it from leaking unless I hold the rubber stopper with my hands. There is too much pressure. Even though I use plumbers putty, I still have leaks onto the burner. Any suggestions, like some sort of clamp?
Project Due Date: 1/15/11
Project Status: I am conducting my experiment

Pop Goes The Geyser

Post by ellie865 »

How can I get a good seal on the rubber stopper and flask. I used plummers putty, but it leaks when the water comes back down unless i hold the stopper with my hand and keep presure on it.
ellie865
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:21 am
Occupation: Student
Project Question: Pop Goes The Geyser. When the flask at the bottom is full and the water in the glass tube comes down , I cant keep it from leaking unless I hold the rubber stopper with my hands. There is too much pressure. Even though I use plumbers putty, I still have leaks onto the burner. Any suggestions, like some sort of clamp?
Project Due Date: 1/15/11
Project Status: I am conducting my experiment

Pop Goes The Geyser

Post by ellie865 »

Should the waterlevel in the flask below be full or have some air space left in the flask, for an eruption
amyC
Site Admin
Posts: 1130
Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2008 3:38 pm
Occupation: Science Buddies
Project Question: N/A
Project Due Date: N/A
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: Pop Goes The Geyser

Post by amyC »

I have merged your two questions into a single topic so that our Experts can best assist you. Please post all questions related to this project in this same topic.

Amy
Science Buddies
ellie865
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:21 am
Occupation: Student
Project Question: Pop Goes The Geyser. When the flask at the bottom is full and the water in the glass tube comes down , I cant keep it from leaking unless I hold the rubber stopper with my hands. There is too much pressure. Even though I use plumbers putty, I still have leaks onto the burner. Any suggestions, like some sort of clamp?
Project Due Date: 1/15/11
Project Status: I am conducting my experiment

Re: Pop Goes The Geyser

Post by ellie865 »

Does the water need to be boiling or just hot. I get small gurgles with the water hot ,but a continuous eruption with the water boiling. hopefully someone can help me out here
ellie865
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:21 am
Occupation: Student
Project Question: Pop Goes The Geyser. When the flask at the bottom is full and the water in the glass tube comes down , I cant keep it from leaking unless I hold the rubber stopper with my hands. There is too much pressure. Even though I use plumbers putty, I still have leaks onto the burner. Any suggestions, like some sort of clamp?
Project Due Date: 1/15/11
Project Status: I am conducting my experiment

Re: Pop Goes The Geyser

Post by ellie865 »

So I cant get a response. i need help. I thought this forum was for help.
kgudger
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Posts: 421
Joined: Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:20 pm
Occupation: electronic engineer
Project Question: n/a
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: Pop Goes The Geyser

Post by kgudger »

Hi:

Please remember that these forums are staffed by volunteers, and we do not have access to any more information about the experiment than you do. I'm going to make some guesses here that may help with your questions.

You need a good seal on your stopper. Was the plumber's putty soft when you put it on the stopper? If it's dried out, it won't seal well. If the putty is not working, try redoing it. If the stopper is pushing out of the flask anyway, instead of using your hands, can you use duct tape to hold it in?

The water level in the flask should not be full. There needs to be an air gap. Also, did you only push the glass rod in to the bottom of the stopper? If you're pushed the rod in farther, you will have problems. That's what I suspect when I see your comment:
I get small gurgles with the water hot ,but a continuous eruption with the water boiling
. Also, heat the water up slowly until you get results, and try to maintain an even temperature.

Keith
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