Nick's+Ghost+Crystals


 * Ghost Crystals** By: Nick Harloff
 * Materials: **
 * Ghost Crystals
 * Container
 * Water
 * Toothpicks
 * Cups
 * Food Coloring


 * Procedure:**
 * 1) Pour Ghost Crystals into a large container (enough to cover the bottom with a layer of crystals)
 * 2) Fill the container with water to the very top and add food coloring
 * 3) Completely cover the top of the container with plastic wrap, tight enough so no air can enter
 * 4) (Optional) If you want the crystals to be bigger, after a couple of days, divide them up into another container and follow steps 2-3 again.
 * 5) After the crystals have grown to desired size, take them out of the container and put a toothpick in them
 * 6) Drop the crystal into a cup filled with water and enjoy the magic!

Ghost Crystals are formed from Polyacrylamide polymers. A polymer is large molecule made of smaller "building block" molecules called monomers. In its cross linked form, a Ghost Crystal polymer is super-absorbent and absorbs several hundred times its weight in water. The reason that the Ghost Crystals can't be seen in the water is because the angle of light that passes through water is the same angle of light that passes through the Ghost Crystal, this is true even if there is food coloring in it. The polymers seem to bend light, but it is only because they are mostly water and the glass reflects the light.
 * Explanation:**
 * Applications:**
 * Ghost Crystals are often used in top soil or planters to keep plants hydrated because they are absorbant and distribute the water slowly.
 * Because of its soft gel texture, polyacrylamide polymers have been used in contacts
 * They are also used as a part of facial surgery


 * Sources:**
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 * [|http://www.teachersource.com/Chemistry/GroBeastsPolymers/WaterGelCrystals.aspx]