wate and glitter

[puncan]

why is it that when glitter is added to water it clumps together, but when dish washing liquid is dropped in the water, the clitter rushes to the side of the bowl like a magnet.

[dreamerofeternity]

Originally Posted by puncan

why is it that when glitter is added to water it clumps together, but when dish washing liquid is dropped in the water, the clitter rushes to the side of the bowl like a magnet.

I'm not exactly sure, but I have a general idea of why. Soaps and detergents allows things that usually don't dissolve in water to do. I believe they break down surface tension. Perhaps the hydrogen bonds between the water are broken down, and therefore, the glitter don't clump to the water and each other, but to the sides. You should look this up, perhaps using my guess as a way to begin. Good luck!