Bubble glossary
Glossary of soap bubbles
Every term in the science of soap bubbles, explained clearly and with sources.
Polydispersity
What polydispersity is and why blending polymers of different molecular weights (guar + PEO) makes bigger, stretchier bu
Guar Gum
Guar gum is the most popular natural polymer for giant bubbles: cheap, easy to find, and effective. What it is, how much
PEO / J-Lube
PEO (polyethylene oxide), found in the veterinary lubricant J-Lube, is one of the most powerful polymers for giant bubbl
Film Elasticity
Elasticity is a bubble film's ability to stretch without breaking. It depends on the polymer and extensional viscosity —
Surfactant
What a surfactant is and why dish soap is the ingredient that lowers water's surface tension, letting it stretch into a
Glycerin (the Myth)
Is glycerin the secret to better bubbles? Blind tests say it's overrated. What it really does, and why the polymer matte
HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)
HEC (hydroxyethyl cellulose) is a cellulose-derived polymer prized in bubble solutions for producing clean, stable films
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity decides how long a soap bubble lasts: the more humid the air, the slower the evaporation and the longe
Black Film in a Soap Bubble
Black film: the final layer of a soap bubble before it pops, just 4-5 nanometers thick. What it is and why it signals th
Surface Tension of Pure Water (No Soap)
Pure water's surface tension is around 72 mN/m — way too high to form bubbles. Here's why, and how soap brings it down.
Extensional Viscosity of the Bubble Film
What extensional viscosity is and why it matters more than normal viscosity for making giant soap bubbles that don't pop
Dawn Dish Soap for Giant Bubbles
Why Dawn Ultra and Dawn Pro are the gold standard for giant bubbles: what to check on the label and how to avoid concent