Apr 20, 2018 · To carry out an experiment with Styrofoam and acetone, all you need is a large bowl or measuring glass. Pour the acetone into the container, then slowly add pieces of …

Jun 14, 2025 · In simple terms, a chemical reaction causes the acetone to break down the styrofoam's structure, and the air that fills it and makes it foam gets pushed out. By losing its …

Aug 26, 2025 · Acetone molecules penetrate the Styrofoam, inserting themselves between polystyrene chains. This interaction causes the solid polymer matrix to break down, releasing …

Investigate what happens to polystyrene when it is placed in propanone (acetone) in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

Here is what is happing. When styrofoam is placed in acetone, the long polymer strands are dissolved, releasing the trapped air and causing the structure to disintegrate.

This dramatic winter science demonstration shows what happens when styrofoam (a type of polystyrene foam) meets a strong solvent like pure acetone. Although it looks like melting, the …

Acetone acts more as a lubricant to make the polystyrene molecules slide along each other. Acetone also dissolves other things made of polystyrene, but the effect is greatest with foamed …

Aug 10, 2019 · All you need to do is to pour a bit of acetone into a bowl, and place Styrofoam beads, packing peanuts, chunks of foam, or even a Styrofoam cup in the container. The …

Mar 3, 2018 · This disappearance is in fact a dissolving, and the Styrofoam molecules become interspersed in the acetone. This dissolving and the resultant solution shows potential for …

Sep 20, 2025 · The fascinating interaction between acetone and styrofoam is a classic science demonstration, but the question remains: is acetone and styrofoam dangerous? This reaction, …