MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: In zero gravity, what happens to a drop of water touched by soap?

Date: Mon Dec 13 15:25:55 1999
Posted By: John Pojman, Faculty, Chemistry, University of Southern Mississippi
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 939333045.Ch
Message:

First, let me make a point regarding the term "zero gravity".  This is a 
misnomer because no matter how experiments are done, there is always 
gravity.  NASA sometimes refers to "low gravity" experiments -- this is 
still confusing.  It is most accurate to refer to experiments under 
"weightlessness" or "simulated low gravity".

Now to your question:  

Since "soap" lowers the surface tension of water, the drop will first 
adhere and then spread over the soap bar.  

Here are several sites that give information on who "simulated low gravity" 
can be achieved and on NASA work. 
 http://microgravity.grc.nasa.gov/
 http://zeta.lerc.nasa.gov/science/comments.htm
 http://zeta.lerc.nasa.gov/science/life


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