Synopses & Reviews
An excellent primer and the classic work on the topic of soap bubbles and films, this book employs simple experiments to establish a practical basis for the existence and function of surface tension and energy minimization. Dozens of experiments require nothing more than soap, straws, and bits of rubber, yet they impart profound and fundamental concepts relating to the science of fluids.
Geared toward readers without much background in the subject, the book begins without difficult calculations and concludes with only the simplest equations. Lucid and concise experiments allow observers to formulate their own practical understanding of soap bubbles and provide a foundation for more serious studies. More than 80 illustrations complement the text.
Synopsis
Consists of dozens of experiments, explanations of the principles they demonstrate, and detailed discussions of the color and thickness of soap bubbles. Shows how liquid films, surface tension, and related phenomena react to heat, motion, music, more. 1911 edition.
Synopsis
Consists of dozens of experiments, explanations of the principles they demonstrate, and detailed discussions of the color and thickness of soap bubbles. 83 illustrations. 1911 edition.
Synopsis
Excellent primer and classic treatment employs simple experiments to establish a practical basis for the existence and function of surface tension and energy minimization. 83 illustrations. 1911 edition.
Synopsis
This excellent primer and classic work on the topic of soap bubbles and films employs simple experiments to establish a practical basis for the existence and function of surface tension and energy minimization. Experiments require only soap, straws, and bits of rubber to impart profound fundamental concepts related to fluids. 83 illustrations. 1911 edition.
About the Author
Sir Charles Vernon Boys (1855-1944), a British physicist known for his innovative experiments, served as a Professor at the Imperial College of London from 1889-97. He was the first to write about soap bubbles from a scientific point of view, and he remains a folk hero to recreational math and science enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTORY
THE ELASTIC SKIN OF LIQUIDS
CAPILLARY ATTRACTION
CAPILLARITY OF DIFFERENT LIQUIDS
POURING OIL ON TROUBLED WATER
LIQUID DROPS
SOAP-FILMS ; THEIR TENSION AND CURVATURE
LIQUID CYLINDERS AND JETS
A WATER TELEPHONE
SOAP-FILMS ON FRAMES
SOAP-BUBBLES AND ETHER
EXPERIMENTS WITH SOAP-BUBBLES
THE SOAP-BUBBLE
BUBBLES OTHER THAN SOAP-BUBBLES
COMPOSITE BUBBLES
OUT-OF-DOOR BUBBLES
THE COLOUR AND THICKNESS OF BUBBLES
PRACTICAL HINTS