Observing Change in Surface Tension with Wire Immersion

AI Thread Summary
The experiment involved immersing a normal temperature wire in water with floating particles like lycopodium and glitter. The observer noted that the particles dispersed radially, which seemed unusual and not solely due to the plunging motion of the wire. There is speculation that the immersion of the wire may alter surface tension or the attraction forces between the particles and water molecules. The discussion highlights the sensitivity of water's interfacial energy to contamination, suggesting that residue on the wire could explain the observed effects. Understanding these interactions could provide insights into the physical changes occurring during the experiment.
jangheej
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hi =D
i observed something interesting during the experiment.
i immersed a normal temperature wire in a chalet filled with water and particles (lycopodium, glitter) floating on the surface.
the original problem is to immerse a "hot" wire (2011 IYPT problem) but i was curious
what would happen if a normal wire was plunged.

Interestingly, the particles dispersed radially to an extent that doesn't seem to occur
simply due to the plunging motion.
So I am wondering if surface tension or any attraction force between particles and water molecules would change due to the immersion of wire.
What physical change is related to this? Any idea? =)
 
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The interfacial energy of water is incredibly sensitive to contamination. Crud on the wire could be sufficient to account for your observations.
 

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