CAPILLARY ACTION

HYPOTHESIS

A paper towel absorbs water because of capillary action - the ability of liquids to be drawn up into narrow spaces. Will all types of paper absorb a liquid equally well?

_________________________________________________________________________

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

2 beakers
1 magnifier
water
3 paper samples
3 rulers
scissors
6 pieces of masking tape
1 plastic spoon
food color

LAB SAFETY AND PROTOCOL

_________________________________________________________________________

PROCEDURE

Cut 1" x 10" strips of each of the paper samples. Label each sample with a letter and record what each is in the chart below.
Tape the three rulers to the outside of one of the beakers. The 1" end of the rulers should be even with the bottom of the beaker.
Look at each of your samples though a magnifier. Predict which sample will absorb water fastest. List the names of the samples in order of absorbency.

_____________________________________________________
Describe the appearance that you think will result in the best absorbency:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
Tape one strip to the top of each of the rulers. Each sample should hang down into the beaker.
Fill the remaining beaker half full of water. Add 4-6 drops of food color and mix.
Gently pour the water into the first beaker until the water just covers the bottoms of the samples. Record the time: _______________
Observe the samples approximately 30 minutes later to see if water has been absorbed. If so, record how high the water has gotten. Record the time of your observation: _______________

CONCLUSION

How did you do with your predictions? What can you conclude about how different types of paper absorb water?

_________________________________________________________________________

Go To Table of Contents