12 Demonstration: Melting Styrofoam Cup

Supplies:

Styrofoam cup or container

Acetone (nail polish section of grocery store)

Small tub to catch mess

Question: What do you think will happen when I add this liquid (acetone) to the cup?

Directions: Over the tub, pour a small amount of acetone into the sup. The cup should start “melting.”

Theory: Acetone is hydrophobic (water fearing) and separates the bonds in styrofoam releasing air which gives the appearance of melting.

Grades: 1st – 4th

Time: 5 minutes

Clean up: Styrofoam “goo” can be placed in garbage.

Note and Hints: Students may be curious to touch the “goo.” Interestingly, it is very cold as an exothermic reaction but no harm if they want to explore.

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIhvJozNplE