Anna Lynton

Anna Lynton

Diffusion of skittle colors

Professor Hertzberg’s note: Although there is little information reliably published on this common ‘science experiment’, this phenomenon is likely due to Marangoni (surface tension driven) flow. Food dye is a surfactant, which reduces surface tension, as does sugar from the dissolving candy coating. The circle geometry will reduce surface tension around the inner ring of Skittles more than around the outside. Higher surface tension in the undyed center draws the dyed fluid in, maintaining radial symmetry. (Jan 21, 2019)

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11 Comments. Leave new

  • Chris Davidoff
    Dec 10, 2018 12:40

    What a fun experiment to do. This is a great idea that we can all relate to :D

    Reply
  • Hana Kieger
    Dec 10, 2018 12:21

    I think it’s an interesting choice having 4 stills to demonstrate the flow instead of a video.

    Reply
  • Peilin Yang
    Dec 7, 2018 12:20

    Nice editing work makes the image frame in an aesthetic way. And the brightness and contract were well adjusted. Good work!

    Reply
  • Jeremy Aparicio
    Dec 7, 2018 12:12

    I like the black hole-like illusion in the flow physics. The time lapse looks like its forming a vortex.

    Reply
  • Joseph Ryan
    Dec 7, 2018 12:10

    This is, aptly put, a very fun image. It is cool seeing stills of all the different steps of the process, because it gives more time to think about what’s happening.

    Reply
  • Michael Karns
    Dec 7, 2018 12:10

    I like your idea of sharing a collection of images. It is nice to be able to follow the series of events through a few pictures.

    Reply
  • Ivan Komodore
    Dec 7, 2018 12:08

    Good progression visualization and the colors look fun. The glare is a little unfortunate but not too distracting.

    Reply
  • Garrett Gerchar
    Dec 7, 2018 12:07

    Very cool 3d imagery with the circular pattern and the way the flow travels. Really cool visual of a flow into a plate.

    Reply
  • Owen Brown
    Dec 7, 2018 12:03

    Love the colors! This is something that I have seen for years, but never thought to put it in an image.

    Reply
  • These images are super nice! I really like that you decided to break down the flow into respective images. The last images is slightly muddy but that’s ok!

    Reply
  • I like how this shows the progression of the flow. The lower left image is especially crisp!

    Reply

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