Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

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.

Should the waterlevel in the flask below be full or have some air space left in the flask, for an eruption

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

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

So I cant get a response. i need help. I thought this forum was for help.

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