This demonstration illustrates physics, chemistry and engineering to all grade levels, from kindergarten through high school. Elementary students... » More

This demonstration illustrates physics, chemistry and engineering to all grade levels, from kindergarten through high school. Elementary students gain observation skills. Middle school students learn about elements, compounds, and mixtures plus physical and chemical changes. High school students gain knowledge of a variety of chemistry and physics features such as redox, chemical bonding, motion and forces and wavelengths.The hydrophobic block-hydrophilic polyelectrolyte block polymer gel forms a simple one-dimensional periodic lamellar structure. The polyelectrolyte block can swell since it has a strong affinity for polar molecules. The swelling causes a change in the index of refraction of the gel layers and a change in the thickness of these layers, resulting in a shift in the interference color that is reflected back to the viewer.

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