how to make cloud in a bottle experiment

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How to Make a Cloud in a Bottle

Last Updated: July 15, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Meredith Juncker, PhD . Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 85% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 890,708 times.

There's no need to look up to see the clouds in the sky when you can make a cloud of your own at home! All you need is a glass jar or plastic soda bottle and a few common household items. Try this easy experiment to have your own cloud in a bottle.

Making a Cloud in a Glass Jar

1 US gal (3.8 L) glass jar
Rubber glove
Rubber band
Flashlight or lamp
Food coloring

Swirl the water around inside the jar so that it covers the sides.
Use oven mitts, since the boiling water will make the jar very hot.

Step 3 Put the rubber glove wrist around the mouth of the jar.

The water at the bottom of the jar will put out the match, and smoke will form in the jar.

Step 6 Put your hand in the glove again.

This will last for 5-10 minutes, and then the particles will settle into the bottom of the jar.

When the glove fingers go back into the jar, the air inside the jar warms up again and the cloud disappears.

Step 9 Try the experiment again with colored clouds.

Using Aerosol to Make Clouds

1 US gal (3.8 L) glass jar with lid
Aerosol (hairspray or air freshener)
Dark-colored paper and flashlight

Step 2 Pour boiling water into a glass jar.

The jar will be very hot. Be sure to use oven mitts to hold the jar.

You can also use a flashlight to shine into the jar.

Step 6 Open the lid and touch the cloud.

The clouds swirl around inside the jar because the air inside is swirling around. The warm air is rising while the cool air is sinking. You can see the movement of air as the clouds swirl.

Using a Plastic Soda Bottle to Make Clouds

Plastic bottle with a cap: A large soda bottle is ideal for this experiment. Make sure to remove the label from the plastic bottle. Then you will be able to see the clouds when they form inside the bottle. It is also best to choose a clear bottle.

Don’t use boiling water in a plastic bottle. The plastic might warp and the experiment won’t work. The water should be hot, though. Try for about 130 °F (54 °C).
Swirl around the water a bit to warm up the sides of the bottle.

This mimics the process of clouds forming in the sky. Clouds in the sky are made up of water droplets that have clung to tiny particles of dust, smoke, ash, or salt.

Community Q&A

Experiment with how many times and how hard you squeeze the bottle. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you do not have matches, you can use a lighter and a piece of paper or an incense stick to make the smoke that you need. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You can also use 70% alcohol and a hand pump to create pressure in either of these experiments. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to make cloud in a bottle experiment

Use adult supervision when lighting and handling the match if you're a child. Thanks Helpful 45 Not Helpful 15

↑ http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/fog_chamber/
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft7q6efRIic

About This Article

To make a cloud in a bottle, start by pouring a little bit of hot water into a plastic bottle so just the bottom is covered. Then, strike a match and let it burn for a few seconds before blowing it out. Once the match is out, toss it into the bottle and put the cap on. Then, just squeeze the bottle a few times and you should see a foggy cloud form inside! To learn how to make a cloud in a glass jar, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No