MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: What types of string would work best for testing capillary action?

Date: Mon Apr 14 22:01:42 2003
Posted By: Rick Becker, Staff, Cluster physics/ plasma physics, Ibadex, LLC
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1046639060.Ph
Message:

Hi Shaun,

This is a little out of my field, but let's give it a try.  What you want to
do is keep your variables as controlled as possible, so you would want your
string samples to be as similar in as many ways as possible, _except_ for
what they are made of.  My first thought would be to go to a sewing shop
with your Mom, and look for different types of yarn.  I know it comes in
wool and synthetics, and there are probably other choices.  Try to get
samples that are as close as possible to each other in physical dimensions,
(diameter, length, etc.).  You will also need to take accurate measurements
of how much fluid is lost, so perhaps your Mom could also contact a doctor's
office, and ask for some of the little plastic graduated dispensing cups
that they use.  These have accurate measurements on the side.  Ask your
teacher what a _meniscus_ is, and get some advice on filling them
accurately.  You might want to use an eyedropper for this.  They can
generally be found in the baby department of most drugstores, and are
inexpensive.  Fill the cups with the same liquid, and different string
samples.  You might want to cover the cups with plastic wrap or aluminum
foil, and pass the string through a small hole in the center.  Tape the
strings to some sort of a crossbar at exactly the same height, (just
touching the bottom of the cups), and give them some period of time to wick
up the fluids.  Measure the wet height of each string, then repeat the
process using new strings, and a different liquid, for the same period of
time.  Make sure that light and temperature remain fairly constant through
all your tests.

I hope this helps.  If I have been unclear on anything, you can contact me
again.  I would love to know how your experiment works out.

Good luck,

Rick Becker


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