Fluids > Surface Tension > Minimal Surface DCS# 2A15.20

SOAP FILM SHAPES

water squirter

APPARATUS
wire frames 202-21-C4
soap solution 202-21-C
pan or beaker 202-21-C

DESCRIPTION
Dip two concentric rings of wire in the soap solution, pop the film in the inner ring, and pull them apart to form a catenoid.
Dip the cube in the soap solution and pop various sides and/or redip it to get different shapes.

In general, the soap film will form the shape with the least surface area, to minimize the energy associated with surface tension.