Bouncy Ball Bounces Lab Report

Lab Report: Creating Bouncy Balls

Tarannum Rahnuma

Science10AP

Purpose:

The purpose of this experiment is to create a bouncy ball that bounces as high as possible.

Problem:

How does the quantity of specific ingredients in a bouncy ball recipe affect a ball’s bounciness?

Background Research:

Molecules that are made of recurring chemical units are called polymers. The glue used in this experiment to create bouncy balls contains the polymer polyvinyl acetate (PVA). When this is reacted with Borax, the polymer cross-links to itself. Cornstarch, another major ingredient the bouncy balls, acts as a thickening agent.

Hypothesis:

If the amount of Borax in the solution is doubled, then the ball will bounce higher because an

Responding: The height of the ball’s bounce.

Procedure:

Safety precautions:

Borax: Health hazard – causes serious eye irritation in case of eye contact, may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled, may irritate skin if contact is made. Hazardous if ingested in large quantities – contact a doctor immediately. Can be disposed of down the drain.

White glue: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact or eye contact (irritant), ingestion, inhalation. If ingested or eye contact is made, contact a doctor immediately. Can be disposed of down the drain.

Cornstarch: Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact or eye contact (irritant), ingestion, inhalation. Can be disposed of down the drain.

To create a double cornstarch ball:

1. Use the marking pen to label 1 container ‘Borax Solution’ and the other container ‘Ball Mixture’.

2. Pour 2 tablespoons (30mL) of warm water and ½ teaspoon (2.5mL) of borax powder into the ‘Borax Solution’ container.

3. Use the stirring rod to dissolve the borax powder in the ‘Borax Solution’ container. Add 3 drops of food

Pour 1 tablespoon (15mL) of glue into the ‘Ball Mixture’ container.

5. Add ½ teaspoon (2.5mL) of the ‘Borax Solution’ mixture and 2 tablespoons (30mL) of cornstarch to the glue in the ‘Ball Mixture’ container. Do not stir – wait 15 seconds for the ingredients to interact, then begin stirring with the stirring rod to combine