Convection cells

This experiment is like a kaleidoscope! The liquid organises itself into complex and beautiful patterns when it is heated.

A circular tray, filled with a liquid with a mother-of-pearl appearance, is heated from below. Instead of becoming disorganised, as substances usually do when heated, the liquid organises itself into complex patterns, similar to fingerprints. The pattern can be removed by rotating the tray, and the process of forming a new one can begin.

The pattern shows how heat is transported in a liquid or gas when it is affected only by differences in temperature, without the influence of a pump, fan or similar equipment.