Instructions to Build a Camphor Boat
Introduction
Camphor boats are another easy to build boat. Chances are you have all
you need to build one already in your house. I don't remember camphor
boats holding my interest for a real long time; they move forward
fairly slowly. However, given that they are very easy to make,
probably 15 minutes worth of work, and that kids, young ones
especially, like to get wet, it is worth building one.
I am not real sure of the principle of their movement but here goes
an explanation. As the camphor dissolves the surface tension of the
water is lowered at the rear of the boat. The higher surface tension
at the front pulls the boat forwards.
What You Will Need
- Household aluminium foil.
- Small piece of camphor. Camphor can be bought in blocks from a
supermarket, generally near moth balls.
You will need a pair of scissors to cut the foil and a pin to pierce it.
How To Build It
- With the scissors, cut out a triangle of foil shaped as shown in
the figure.
- With the pin poke a 2 mm hole in foil at the point marked in
the figure.
- Pinch the corners of the foil as shown by the dashed lines in the
figure. As you pinch the corners raise the edges of the foil so
that they form sides to the boat. Make sure that the hole is at
the water line.
- Place the small piece of camphor in the boat so that it covers
the hole. Water must contact the camphor so that it dissolves.
The camphor boat is complete! Place it in the kitchen sink and as the
camphor dissolves it should move forward. Make sure there is no wind
because it can be hard to tell if it is the camphor or the wind that
is making the boat move.
Last modified: Fri Mar 20 15:12:15 1998
© Malcolm Goris
<mgoris@nfra.nl>