Soap bubbles are formed when air is trapped inside a thin film of soapy water. The soap molecules form a thin layer around the air, which creates a surface tension that holds the bubble together.
Surface tension is the force that causes the molecules in a liquid to stick together. In the case of soap bubbles, surface tension pulls equally in all directions, creating a spherical shape as it tries to minimize the surface area of the bubble.
Soap bubbles burst when the water in the bubble's film evaporates or when the bubble comes into contact with a dry surface. This causes the surface tension to break, leading to the collapse of the bubble.
Yes, the size of a soap bubble can be controlled by altering the amount of soap and water used. More soap results in a stronger film with a smaller surface area, while more water results in a weaker film with a larger surface area.
Surface tension plays a role in many everyday activities, such as washing dishes, doing laundry, and even drinking from a straw. It also allows insects like water striders to walk on water and helps plants absorb water from the soil.