Hooked on science: Air takes up space

Friday, September 5, 2008
Here's a cool experiment that proves air takes up space.

Materials:

* Water

* Plastic cup

* Napkin

* Bowl

Instructions:

STEP 1: Fill the bowl will water.

STEP 2: Wad the napkin and push it into the bottom of the plastic cup.

STEP 3: Turn the plastic cup over and submerge the cup completely into the bowl of water.

STEP 4: Remove the cup to see if the napkin is wet or dry.

Explanation

Once you completely submerged the cup into the bowl of water air was trapped between the napkin and the water. This pocket of air kept the napkin dry and proves air takes up space.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator for the Bootheel Youth Museum. Check out his website "Hooked On Science" at hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@bootheelyouthmuseum.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.