Ivory Soap Explosion Experiment using Microwave

This is a simple experiment that demonstrates how microwaves have an unexpected effect on Ivory Soap! We are asking this question, “What happens to Ivory Soap when put in a microwave?”

Lets explore the science surrounding this experiment, and ask and answer your questions. But first we need to make sure we stay safe! Then we can get into the instructions for how to conduct a safe experiment and then we can talk about what you can use it for once you have transformed your bar of Ivory soap.

Teacher Note: The Ivory bars have lots of air molecules that stay trapped in the bar while being heated by the microwave. This causes it to expand rapidly into a fluffy soap like substance. It stays this way after it has been transformed. You can do the experiment with ½ bar of soap but it will be smaller and a smaller reaction of fluff.

Science note: When water and air are heated in a microwave they produce steam and because the air molecules are trapped in the Ivory bar they get super hot. As they get hot they Vaporize and produce steam that expands the soap into the fluffy mass. This is not a chemical reaction but a physical change that stays after the event.

Other soap : most will not produce the same outcome when microwaved because Ivory has more air whipped into it in the manufacturing of the bars of soap, this is why Ivory floats in water. Caution do not attempt with other brands.

SAFETY: Please always use a microwave as intended and according to product instructions. Always use a microwave safe dish and pot holders. Please monitor all microwave use and watch as you conduct your experiment. Let the soap cool completely before handling. Remember that this experiment should only be done using Ivory soap Bar. Using other brands of soap, or other kinds of soap like liquid or pods is forbidden and may produce results that could potentially harm you or others.

Is microwaved Ivory soap safe to touch?

Yes, microwaved Ivory soap is safe to touch, but only after it has completely cooled down. Immediately after microwaving, the soap will be hot and could potentially cause burns.

Applications for use after microwaved transformation: You can use it in the same way because it is essentially the same product only fluffier. But is is also a great visual representation of what heat can do to change the physical make up of an object or substance.

How to conduct Ivory soap transformation:

1. Place an unwrapped bar of Ivory Soap on a microwave safe dish.
   
2. Put it in your Microwave and heat on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, you should watch this as it is expanding and when it seems to stop expansion , stop your microwave.
   
3. Let cool in the microwave for a few minutes and then with a pot holder remove carefully.
   
4. Let cool for 25 to 30 minutes.