Boyle’s Self-Flowing Flask with Polyethylene Glycol

Boyle’s self-flowing flask is a fascinating experiment that demonstrates the principles of pressure, temperature, and volume in physics. It involves a flask filled with polyethylene glycol, a type of non-Newtonian fluid that changes viscosity based on external forces.

The setup consists of a closed flask filled with polyethylene glycol connected to a pressure sensor. As pressure is applied to the system, the polyethylene glycol experiences a change in viscosity, causing it to flow on its own without the need for additional external force.

This phenomenon, known as self-flow, is a result of Boyle’s Law, which states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional when the temperature is held constant. In this case, the pressure applied to the flask changes the volume of the polyethylene glycol, causing it to flow through the system.

By observing the self-flowing flask in action, students can learn about the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature in gases, as well as the unique properties of non-Newtonian fluids like polyethylene glycol.

Overall, Boyle’s self-flowing flask is a fun and educational experiment that can help students better understand the fundamental principles of physics in a hands-on way.