Experiment 8

Which flows fastest: light oil, heavy oil, or water?


This is a picture of a stopwatch.Materials:

Empty milk carton

Scissors

Small tin can (like a juice can)

Large tin can (larger than a juice can)

#40 oil (heavy)

#20 oil (light)

Water

Watch with a second hand

Instructions

1.  Put a hole in the juice can. Make a stand from the milk carton. Cut a hole in it, too.

2.  Cut a 3 mm hole in the bottom of the small juice can.

3.  Cut a hole in the bottom of the milk carton smaller than the diameter of the juice can.

4.  Fill the juice can 1/2 full of heavy oil, and time it as it runs out. Clean the can. Repeat the experiment with light oil, then water. Compare the results.

5.  Place your finger over the hole in the juice can so oil won’t run out.

 

OTHER IDEAS TO EXPLORE:

Try this experiment again with oils and water after refrigerating them overnight.

Should we use heavy or light oil in the wintertime? How about summertime?