The borax acts as a “cross-linker” to the polymer molecules in the glue – basically it creates chains of molecules that stay together when you pick them up. The cornstarch helps to bind the molecules together so that they hold their shape better.
Can you make bouncy balls with borax?
Making the Bouncy Balls
My 5 year old daughter measured out 1/2 cup of warm water and 1 T of borax. Then she gave the mixture a good stir to dissolve the borax. ... Then add each color to the borax water separately and, when the glue mixtures begin to firm up, add them back together and roll into a ball.
Why does borax make bouncy balls?
Making a bouncy ball is an example of a chemical reaction . This reaction happens between the Borax and glue. The Borax is the cross-linker for the glue’s polymer molecules. This creates chains of molecules that stay together when your child plays with the ball.
What can you use instead of borax to make a bouncy ball?
Most bouncy balls are made with Borax, but it is dangerous to ingest and can irritate your skin. To make a bouncy ball without using Borax, you can use baking soda, glue, water, and food coloring or cornstarch, water, and food coloring .
How do you make clear bouncy balls?
To make bouncing polymer balls, follow these steps: Label one cup “Borax Solution” and the other “Ball Mixture.” Pour 2 tablespoons of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of borax powder into the cup labeled “Borax Solution.” Stir the mixture to dissolve the borax. Add food coloring if desired.
What is the science behind bouncy balls?
The Science of Bouncy Balls
Making a bouncy ball is an example of a chemical reaction . This reaction happens between the Borax and glue. The Borax is the cross-linker for the glue’s polymer molecules. This creates chains of molecules that stay together when your child plays with the ball.
Why are bouncy balls so bouncy?
Store-bought bouncy balls are made of rubber , another material that is made up of polymers. When the bouncy ball is stretched, these polymer chains uncoil and straighten. When released, the chains coil back up again. This makes the material stretchy and bouncy.
How do you make homemade balls?
- In a cup mix the warm water and the borax.
- In another cup mix the glue, cornstarch, and food coloring.
- Pour the glue mixture into the water-borax cup.
- The glue mixture will harden after 10 seconds; use a fork to take it out of the water. ...
- Roll the mixture in your hands to make a ball. ...
- You are done!
What type of energy does a bouncy ball use?
When a bouncing ball falls, it initially gains speed or kinetic energy —the energy of motion. When it reaches Earth, it collides head-on with an incredibly massive object that is, from your perspective, at rest. The ball slows down, deforms temporarily and shoots back up.
How do you make a bouncy ball with eggs and vinegar?
- Place egg carefully in the jar. If the shell breaks at all, you will need to use a different egg.
- Pour vinegar into the jar until the egg is covered. Cover the jar and wait! ...
- 24 hours later, drain the vinegar and refill again. Let the egg sit for seven (7) days. ...
- Remove the egg and rinse off.
How do you make glowing bouncy balls?
- Mix together the water and borax until the borax is dissolved into the water.
- Stir in glitter and/or food coloring. ...
- Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons glow in the dark glue, depending on how large you want the ball to be. ...
- Once the glue has come together, use hands to squeeze and shape the ball.
What is the active ingredient in Borax?
What Is Borax? Borax is a powdery white substance, also known as sodium borate , sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. It’s widely used as a household cleaner and a booster for laundry detergent. It’s a combination of boron, sodium, and oxygen.
How do you make homemade borax powder?
To make your own borax powder, start by purchasing boric acid crystals at your local hardware store or an online retailer. Boric acid is widely available in powdered form, and the liquid form is often used in ant and roach traps, but you can also buy it in crystal form.
What are clear bouncy balls made of?
ABOUT THE SCIENCE
Bouncing balls were first made with natural rubber, but now, they can also be made of plastics and other polymers . Polymers are molecules made up of repeating chemical units, and they can be either natural or synthetic.
