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Upside Down Glass of Water Experiment

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Last updated date: 22nd Mar 2024
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Introduction to Upside Down Glass Experiment

Kids, have you ever tried turning a glass filled with water upside down without spilling the water in it? It seems impossible! But it can be done with a proper technique. The Kids, as well as the adults, both will be amazed by this Upside Down Glass of Water experiment that defies gravity.


The experiment can be conducted with just a few simple household things we use daily. We can try this simple and fun science experiment at home where kids can get to see the effects of air pressure in action. So let's see how to make upside down glasses and how it works.


Material Required for Upside Down Glass of Water Experiment

The things required to make an upside down glass of water experiment are listed below:

  • One drinking Glass

  • Water as required

  • Thick Sheet of Paper. (This sheet should be thick, long and wide enough to cover the entire mouth of the glass of water.)

  • One large container or sink


Things required for the upside down glass experiment.


Things Required for The Upside Down Glass Experiment.


How to Make Upside Down Glasses?

For the upside down glass of water experiment, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Fill the empty glass with water. Make sure that the water is filled to the top of the glass. If the water is not filled to the top or there is any space present between the water and the paper, this upside down glass of water experiment will not work. So, Make sure to fill it out completely.


Step 2: After filling the glass to the top with water, place the thick sheet of paper on the top of the glass gently.


Placing a sheet on top of the glass


Placing a Sheet on Top of The Glass


Step 3: After placing the paper on top of the glass, Slowly move the glass filled with water over the container or sink carefully.


Step 4: Now gently place your hand on the paper and flip the glass over. What do you think will happen if you remove your hand from the glass?


After flipping the glass upside down


After Flipping The Glass Upside Down


Step 5: Now, Just remove your hand from the bottom and observe as the paper stays covering the glass and the water doesn’t spill out.


Experiment with upside down water.


Experiment with Upside Down Water.


How Does the Experiment Work?

Do you know why this happens and How the experiment works? The reason behind this experiment works is air pressure! The air pressure is the weight of a column of air pushing down on an area. However, the air is heavy though we can feel it.


Upside down experiment


Upside Down Experiment


The weight of the air pushing down on all the objects on Earth is the same as that of the combined weight of three cars! We don’t feel this huge weight since the molecules in air push evenly in every direction, like up, down, sideways, and diagonally.


During this experiment, the air pushing up from underneath the paper is strong enough to overcome the weight of the water pushing down on the paper. Due to the air pressure pushing up on the card, the card will stay on the glass, so the water will not spill out.


Experiment with upside down water


Experiment with Upside Down Water


Summary

In this article, we explore the concept of "upside down glasses" and how to make them using simple materials. By following these steps, you can create a unique and stylish addition to your home. During this experiment, when you flip the water glass over, the water in the glass is pulled down by gravity. However, the force of the water pushing down is lower than that of the force of atmospheric pressure, which is pushing up on the card. Due to this, the water stays in the glass only. The water molecules stick together very tightly. The paper sticks to a glass of water because the adhesion takes place due to water molecules, which have positive and negative ends. Whether you're looking for a new party trick or just want to show off your DIY skills, making these glasses is a great way to start. Be sure to let us know how it goes!

FAQs on Upside Down Glass of Water Experiment

1. How does water stay in an upside down glass?

At the time when you flip the glass filled with water over during this experiment, the water in the glass is pulled down by the force of gravity. The force of the water pushing down is lower than that of the force of atmospheric pressure, which is pushing up on the card. Due to this, the water stays in the glass and the experiment works.

2. What happens when you remove your hand from the inverted glass?

The pressure of the air in this experiment is the weight of a column of air pushing down on an area. However, the air is heavy though we can feel it. The air inside the glass of water was originally in one atmosphere of pressure when you put the paper card over it. Still, at the time when you inverted the glass and removed your hand, the water moved downward with a very slight amount, thereby increasing the volume provided to the air.

3. When does water in the glass spill out?

During the upside down glass of water experiment, sometimes there are chances for the water to spill out from the glass even after placing a thick, long and wide sheet. It happens when the water is not filled to the top or there is any space present between the water and the paper, this upside down glass of water experiment will not work and there are chances for the water to spill out. So, Make sure to fill it out for the experiment properly.

4. What will happen if the paper is too weak in upside down glass experiment?

The experiment needs pressure to be applied on the card, to bend it. If there are chances for the paper to be too weak and it does not bend out of shape, then this means the air pressure inside the glass does not match with that of atmospheric pressure and so, there might be chances for water to spill out from the glass.