All About Bubbles

A bubble is a globule of one thermodynamic phase inside of another, like a gas in a liquid. We commonly find bubbles in boiling water, carbonated sodas, sea foam, and gas pockets in glass. Learning about bubbles can teach us about many concepts, like shape, transparency, mirrored surfaces, colors, and flexibility.

About Bubbles: How Bubbles Form

Bubbles are produced by the scientific process of nucleation. Nucleation occurs when a small pocket of one thermodynamic phase forms inside of another. In bubbles, the thermodynamic phase of a gas forms inside of the thermodynamic phase of a liquid. However, pure water is not stable enough to produce a lingering bubble. We use soap to stabilize bubbles, allowing them to linger for longer. Many incorrectly believe that soap increases water’s surface tension. This is not true. In fact, soap decreases water’s surface tension. Soap does not strengthen bubbles, it merely stabilizes them.

About Bubbles: How We Use Bubbles

We use bubbles in many ways, both practical and fun. We use bubbles in ultrasounds to help us better see babies. We use bubbles to better understand mathematical concepts, like minimal surface area. Performance artists use bubbles for their aesthetic properties. We also use bubbles as toys. Children have been playing with bubbles since the 1600s. Toy stores sell about two hundred million bottles of bubble mixture every year.

About Bubbles: Why Bubbles Pop

When disturbed, bubbles pulsate, or rapidly oscillate in size. These oscillations destabilize bubbles, leading them to eventually tear apart. The popping of bubbles below produces most of the liquid sounds that we hear.

About Bubbles: Make Your Own Bubbles

If you would like to learn more about bubbles, you can do so by observing them yourself. Enjoy educational, fun homemade bubbles by mixing your own bubble solution. Simply combine ½ a cup of dishwashing liquid, two teaspoons of sugar, and two cups of water to make bubbles whenever you want.