MadSci Network: Physics |
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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