![]() This is similar to what happened when a wilted plant is watered, its leaves expand and perk up. When we place a material made from wood in water, in this case paper, it absorbs the water until it every fiber is wet. Osmosis will continue until water has reached a state of equilibrium. Plants absorb water through osmosis, the movement of water across a membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. What you are watching is absorption in realtime, as the material absorbs water and expands. The fibers of the paper (wood) swell when the come into contact with water and the paper seems to magically open. There are many materials whose basic properties change when they come into contact with water (think how your skin shrivels up in the bath) and wood is one of them. Paper is essentially wood pulp ground up and dried. This is a simple experiment illustrating the properties of materials. Once they are dry you can refold them and try the experiment again. My kids had a hard time keeping their hands off the flower petals as they opened but trust me the petals will open if you are patient! What’s so scientific? Absorption Place your kirigami flower in the water and watch as they begin to open up as the paper absorbs the water! The outer blossoms should open up quickly, the inner blossom may take longer to absorb the water. When the blossoms have fully opened you may carefully remove them from the water and let them dry out. You’re done! Now grab a shallow tray or bowl and add water.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |