The Bubble Tubes is a set of three transparent plastic tubes each containing coloured fluids of varying viscosity. A small air bubble rises to the top of each tube when the apparatus is tilted. Observing and recording the distance that each bubble moves during a certain time interval (dependent on the viscosity of the fluid and the angle of inclination) provides a great introductory physics exercise in demonstrating the concepts of recording and graphing data, extrapolation, precision and uncertainty.The Bubble Tubes may also be used to perform viscosity experiments such as investigating the effect of temperature on the viscosity of a fluid or testing the viscosity of various grades of motor oils.
