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    Home » Rain Cloud in a Jar

    Rain Cloud in a Jar

    May 26, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

    This simple, visual activity is great for starting to understand why rain falls.

    What is a cloud?

    Clouds are droplets of water and crystals of ice, the exact composition depends on the temperature. Clouds form when warm air rises, expands and cools. Water molecules then attach to dust, pollution and smoke particles, when these molecules come together they form a cloud. Clouds float because the water droplets forming them are warmed up by the heat from the sun and warm air rises.

    The altitude at which clouds form depends on lots of factors such as air temperature, wind and size of the cloud.

    Make a rain cloud in a jar

    What you need

    A Jar

    Water

    Shaving Cream

    Water

    Food colouring

    Dropper or pipette

    Food colouring

    Method

    Fill the jar about ¾ full with water

    Cover with shaving cream to completely cover the surface of the water

    Drip water over the shaving foam using a pipette

    Drop food colouring over the shaving foam and watch what happens?

    Can you see the food colouring falling to the bottom of the jar?

    Why does this happen?

    When a rain cloud reaches a certain mass the water needs to escape and so breaks through the cloud to fall as rain. As you drip the water over your shaving cream cloud the water starts to fall through the cloud.

    rain cloud in a jar

     

    Why are rain clouds grey?

    When the clouds become full of water droplets the are so thick that light cannot go all the way though, making the cloud look grey.

    Related posts

    Water Cycle Experiment

    Learn about the water cycle and flooding

    Evaporation Activity

    Inspiration Laboratories has a great cloud in a bottle activity.

    Rain cloud in a Jar

    Last Updated on September 5, 2016 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Arjun shibi

      September 18, 2017 at 8:43 am

      its a great app to the students of my age …… i’m so happy to use it and to now more about the science …..

      Reply

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