Are ping-pong balls hydrophobic?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter 333cory333
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the hydrophobic properties of ping-pong balls, which are made from cellulose. Participants explore whether the application of substances like sesame oil or grease alters these properties. The context includes experimental inquiry and personal experimentation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether ping-pong balls are hydrophobic and how the application of oil or grease might affect this property.
  • Another participant prompts for details on any experiments conducted, suggesting that comparisons between treated and untreated balls could provide insights.
  • There is a mention of measuring hydrophobicity, although no specific methods are proposed.
  • Some posts have been deleted, indicating possible changes in the discussion or removal of contributions.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the answers but notes progress in their understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on whether ping-pong balls are hydrophobic or how coatings affect this property. Multiple viewpoints and uncertainties remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific experimental results shared and the absence of defined methods for measuring hydrophobicity.

333cory333
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Hello, everyone!
I'm conducting an experiment in a lab
and while setting parameters, this question came to my mind.
Are ping-pong balls hydrophobic? (They are made out of cellulose)
And if sesame oil or grease is coated on the surface, do they become hydrophobic?
Thanks, as always :approve:
 
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Hi 333cory333! Welcome to Physics Forums!

What experiments have you already tried? Have you tried comparing the balls with and without oil or grease yet? How can you measure if a ping-pong ball is hydrophobic or not? No one here will spoon-feed you information if you haven't even tried experimenting yourself first. Click on "Rules" above. After you do your experiments and testing, post your results here, along with any of your questions or doubts. Members here are always ready and willing to assist a true searcher trying to learn science.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
Deleted
 
Deleted.
 
CWatters said:
Deleted

Wait! What! Was that image wrong?

It is burned into my brain!

bad at chemistry dyslexics :cry:
 
Deleted because I thought I was making it too easy for you :-)
 
I still haven't found out a certain answer, but I'm surely progressing!
Thanks for your consideration :)
 

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