Mica

 

Heat peices of mica with a torch and they will expand like accordions!

Mica contains water. Heating the water causes it to turn into steam which pushes the layers of mica apart. When the mica cools it retains its expanded size.

Goran Lundstrom taught me this activity.

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Scientific Explorations with Paul Doherty

© 2000

1 Feb 2000