Lava Lamp Help

[ttldomination]

Hey Guys,

So in physics, we are making Lava lamps. I'm using Mineral Oil. 70% Ispropyl Alcohol and 91% alcohol.

I am using the method from http://www.oozinggoo.com/ll-form3.html .

But, my blob or "lava" is sitting at the top of the solution and not at the bottom, where it should be. Any one have any ideas as to how I can fix this?

[dlavery]

Read the very page you referenced. The answer is in the third paragraph.

[ttldomination]

When it says "I added to much" is that referring to the Distilled water or the mineral oil?

[ttldomination]

Hey Guys,

I was able to make the Mineral Oil blob sit down on the bottom of the bottle, but now it won't rise. Does anyone know if I should add more 91% ispropyl alcohol or 70% to make the surround liquid less dense?

[DonRotolo]

OK, the lava is mineral oil, and the fluid is some mixture of isopropyl and water. The instructions do say that it takes some experimentation to get it right. As with any experiment, take notes of what you do and the effect it has.

Oil floats on water. It floats less (sinks, actually) on isopropyl, since it is not as dense as water.

If the oil sinks too much, don't add alcohol, add water. By the drop, if necessary, until it works. If the oil floats, add alcohol. I'd use the 91% only, myself, since the other 9% is water, and water can be added by itself. (in other words, why add 30% water with the alcohol?).

Think about it, the answer will be clear.