The Science Behind: Bubbles

As a kid, I always thought that bubbles were sooooooooo fascinating. I would run after them and them and jump as high as I could just to touch them. I would try to sit one on my little fingers. If I did catch them I would peek inside them, as if there would be another world inside of them. I thought it was magic! But now I know that they're aren't.

What are they,though?

A bubble is a thin film of soapy water. It is mixture of soap and water. This much most of us know.

Most bubbles are filled with air, but they can made with carbon-dioxide as well.

Fun Fact: The bubble solution was actually discovered in Chicago.

We've all seen bubbles, but have you wondered why they're always spheres? Why not pyramids or cubes?

No matter what shape a bubble begins with, it will try to become a sphere. It is the shape that minimizes ​the surface area of the structure, which makes it the shape that requires the least energy to achieve.​

Do you remember that feeling of disappointment when all the bubbles were gone? I'd always try to think of some way to try to make them stay longer, but there's only so much thinking a 3-year old can do.

Turns out the secret to making bubbles last longer was in the bubble solution. Glycerin can be added to the bubble solution and it will extend the life of a bubble - it weakens hydrogen bonds with water slowing down the evaporation process.

Fun Fact : You can actually freeze bubbles.

Now every time you see bubbles you can brag to everyone!

Stay curious ;)

Love,

Sarah