Fog in a Bottle

Fog is a cloud near the ground, produced by warm air coming in contact with cool air. Since cool air cannot hold as much moisture as warm, the moisture condenses in the form of droplets and you have fog. You can create your own fog with this simple activity.

What you need:

• clear bottle
• hot water
• ice
• alcohol

What you do:

Fill a bottle one-third full of very hot water. Add a few drops of alcohol. It vaporizes rapidly, letting you see the reaction more quickly. Place a piece of ice over the bottle mouth. What happens near the neck of the bottle?

Used with permission from Science Activities from A to Z
by Dr. Helen Challand and Elizabeth Brandt with illustrations by Herb Rudd.
Courtesy Digital Atlas of Idaho 2000.