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All experimentsFive colours, one glass, no mixing

Rainbow Density Tower

Sugar water in five strengths, each a different colour, poured carefully so they stack into stripes. Pour it wrong and it goes brown. Pour it right and people won't believe it's only water.

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Rainbow Density Tower

Read the full instructions and gather your supplies before starting.

Step 1 of 6

Put 3 tablespoons of warm water in each of the five cups.

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Time30 min
You get1 striped glass
DifficultyMediumSome mess
SectionLearning

This one is all yours

Nothing sharp, nothing hot, nowhere far. Tell someone what you're up to, then go ahead and do it on your own.

How to do it

6 steps. Tap one when it's done.

  1. Five separate coloured layers in a tall glass
    Aim for separate bands of colour. Gentle pouring keeps the layers apart.

Why that works

Sugar water is heavier than plain water, and more sugar makes it heavier still. The heaviest layer sinks to the bottom and the lightest floats on top, and as long as you pour gently enough not to stir them, they stay in order.