Variations in bubble persistance

In summary, the conversation discussed an experiment involving a one gallon plastic jug filled with ferrous chloride, water, and hydrochloric acid, with oxygen added at atmospheric pressure. The jug was triggered to shake for two seconds, producing four different types of bubbles. The color and persistence of the bubbles changed over time, with a fine foam forming and the color turning to a light orange brown. The conversation also touched on different fields and the limitations of understanding the observed phenomena.
  • #1
_Anthony_
16
0
The apparatus consisted of a one gallon air tight clear plastic jug one quarter filled with ferrous chloride (uh, Fe(II)Cl ?), water and sufficient hydrochloric acid to complete the transformation. The remaining space was filled with oxygen at atmospheric pressure. When triggered a mechanism shook the jug for two seconds. The trigger could be set to repeat.

I recorded* four bubble types; small, medium, large and foam ignoring the subtle changes in shape, most notably wall thickness, during the course of the experiment. I also used various colored red laser pointers to evaluate changes in color, but I eye balled it.

Observation

At first the solution was a dirty green. The bubbles yellow green in color, foamy, and persistent. Lasting upwards to a minute. The foam disintegrates quickly leaving piles of small bubble and more and more mediums. The destruction of the assembly slows as it progresses.

After thirty seconds of shaking the bottle was substantially "sucked in"^. Oxygen was added to compensate. This was repeated slowing to every few minutes over the next half hour. All the while the persistence of the bubbles fell until no significant foam formed but rather mostly large bubbles collapsing quickly to short lived small and medium ones. The surface would clear within two seconds. The bubbles had turned bright yellow with little trace of green then just yellow then yellow with a trace of brown. It was noted that persistence was unchanged by the equalization of pressure. They lasted just as long and looked the same but there's a scribble "tiny bit greener?"

The absence of persistent bubbles persisted for half an hour then slowly the persistence grew. The color deepened and the yellowish brown adding a tinge of orange.

Over the next half hour a fine persistent foam formed on the surface encircling mostly medium and a few large bubbles floated in islands. The rest of the surface would suddenly collapse a bit like a single bubble bursting leaving those seemingly foam stabilize formations. The color became browner.

Over the next hour the persistence grew as did the size of the bubbles. A botryoidal surface formed and was slow to dissipate. Even after its collapse bubbles would continue clinging to the surface lasting well over a minute. The color became the unmistakable lightish darkish orange brown of (OK uh) Fe(III)Cl. Love that color. There's something enticing about it, like gold.

So there are many different fields represented there and asking leading questions tends to limit thinking. I guess I could just write, "explain all the observed phenomena" and hope for the best. I think that would take more than an hour. Maybe just explain a few. Obviously I have some idea of what's going on, I've researched, but I'm no expert in fluidity or how a thin wall breaking can alter chemistry and trigger a cascade. I'd like to not get called on a glaring mistake in understanding.

Anthony
*Bits of paper stuffed between the pages of a note book along with folded sheets of scribbles I added later to remind myself.

^Yeah yeah, poetic license. The pull of gravity makes no sense either.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Clarification. I didn't mean to imply that the large bubbles became smaller bubbles. I miswrote. It seems a little like that but of course the other bubbles were already present.

And I just want my mentor to know, it took all my doing to not title the thread;
"Bubbles bubbles toils and troubles"
 

What causes variations in bubble persistence?

There are several factors that can affect the persistence of bubbles, including surface tension, temperature, and the presence of impurities or particles in the liquid.

Can bubbles of different sizes have different persistence?

Yes, the size of a bubble can play a role in its persistence. Generally, smaller bubbles have a higher surface tension and therefore last longer than larger bubbles.

How does atmospheric pressure impact bubble persistence?

Atmospheric pressure can affect the rate at which bubbles rise and pop, which can ultimately impact their persistence. Higher pressure can lead to faster bubble rise and shorter persistence, while lower pressure can result in slower rise and longer persistence.

Are there any practical applications for studying variations in bubble persistence?

Yes, understanding the factors that affect bubble persistence can have practical applications in industries such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and even in the development of new materials.

Is there a correlation between bubble persistence and the liquid's viscosity?

Yes, there is a general trend that more viscous liquids tend to produce bubbles with longer persistence. This is because the higher viscosity allows for slower bubble rise and therefore longer persistence.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • General Discussion
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top