A loop of thread is dropped onto a water surface so that all of the thread is in contact with the water, as seen in the photograph below.
As the thread loop is at rest on the surface of the water, a drop of soap solution is dropped onto the water inside the thread loop. The question this week involves what, if anything will happen to the thread loop when the soap solution is dropped onto the water. In particular, will the thread loop close down, becoming smaller or zero in area, will it become larger, or will it stay the same? Why?
When the soap is dropped into the center of the thread loop, the loop will:
If the droplet of soap solution does effect the thread loop, how will the shape of the loop be changed?
Click here for Answer #101 after January 28, 2002.
