Density
Properties of Matter

Coloured Rain

Enrichment Activity for 5-11 11-14

What you need

  • Empty glass jar
  • Oil
  • Food colourings in different colours
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Fill up a jar with warm water
  2. In the lid, mix a few tablespoons of oil with a few drops of food colouring
  3. Pour this mixture into the water
  4. A stream of colour will now start falling down

Results and Explanation

Food colouring and oil don't mix, and as the two separate the food colouring sinks into the water, leaving trails of colours.

These experiments have not been specifically safety tested for home use but we believe them to be safe if the instructions are followed. Adult supervision or direction is recommended as appropriate. All experiments are carried out at your own risk.

Density
appears in the relation m=ρV
Limit Less Campaign

Support our manifesto for change

The IOP wants to support young people to fulfil their potential by doing physics. Please sign the manifesto today so that we can show our politicians there is widespread support for improving equity and inclusion across the education sector.

Sign today