Greenhouse gases

[deleted-373171]

I am trying to find what amount of carbondioxide affects the temperature change in atmosphere. Can somebody help me how to place carbondioxide in vaccum bell jar. Hope we need to use dry ice. how to handle that. And where to get dry ice and vaccum bell jar. How to place. Can you please guide me.

[deleted-352784]

Hi Lakshu! I assume that you are trying to do a project relating to greenhouse gases, and that's awesome! Way to be conscious about the environment!
Are you trying to test the effect of the amount of carbon dioxide on the change in temperature in a controlled environment?
If so, a vacuum bell jar may not be the best option for this project, as a vacuum bell jar specifically functions as a chamber that has all gases pumped out of it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_jar), and thus couldn't have a certain amount of carbon dioxide placed in it.

However, fear not! It is still very possible for you to conduct an experiment testing the effect of carbon dioxide on the change in temperature! You can find similar projects to do right here on Science Buddies, and here's one that might interest you: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

I additionally did some searching on Google, and there are several other similar projects you could complete (if you still have enough time!) based on the same topic that you're interested in. Here are some links:
"Does Carbon Dioxide Raise the Temperature of the Atmosphere?": http://www.education.com/science-fair/a ... tmosphere/
"CO2 and Global Warming": http://www.all-science-fair-projects.co ... 121_1.html

(Just as a precaution, some of these experiments do require materials that may not be available in your house and parental supervision!)

Good luck with your project, and please let me know if you have any questions/concerns, and I will try to help you out as best I can!

[deleted-370050]

Dear Lakshu,

I love that your project investigates climate change! Just to add onto jskanderson’s response, I also think that the vacuum bell jar wouldn’t be the best way to test this. Remember- a vacuum bell jar removes all gases, while the atmosphere is full of gases. To start off with, the climate is too complicated to be perfectly simulated by models or experiments. However, the data gathered is still useful. I found an experiment that simulates the effect of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere. It is straightforward and I feel is more comprehensive of global warming. You can find it at this link: http://www.starhop.com/library/pdf/stud ... ojar-7.pdf

Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any more questions!

Sincerely,
Catherine M.

[deleted-373171]

Thanks Anderson and Catherine. Yes i got what you are saying. But actually the idea of using Vaccum bell jar came from the project in the below link
http://www.projects.juliantrubin.com/sc ... ide_1.html

I still have more time to think and finish this project. I can pursue with the similar project which anderson suggested.Please let me know if anyone can guide me as I do this project for any questions.

Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-373171]

Hi,

Please let me know if the topic I selected is good for 6th grade and is a eligible to win the award kind of topic . If so does the project below is good to choose from metric stand point.

"CO2 and Global Warming": http://www.all-science-fair-projects.co ... 121_1.html

In my 5th grade I did project on " Are Banana Briquettes an Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly Bio-Fuel?" I found if Banana Briquettes is more energy efficient and enviornmentally friendly substitute for coal. I really loved this experiment and got me placed in science fair.

Looking forward for your support.

Thanks,
Mrudula

[deleted-352784]

Hi,

Please let me know if the topic I selected is good for 6th grade and is a eligible to win the award kind of topic . If so does the project below is good to choose from metric stand point.

"CO2 and Global Warming": http://www.all-science-fair-projects.co ... 121_1.html

In my 5th grade I did project on " Are Banana Briquettes an Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly Bio-Fuel?" I found if Banana Briquettes is more energy efficient and enviornmentally friendly substitute for coal. I really loved this experiment and got me placed in science fair.

Looking forward for your support.

Thanks,
Mrudula

Hi Lakshu! I saw that you got your project from the other website, and so I understand where your concerns are coming from, especially regarding the dry ice! You can get dry ice (solid carbon dioxide, which you can put in a cup) at a local grocery store (but you may need your parents to come with you). You also will need parental supervision when handling dry ice, if you're still considering doing this project.

However, the project "CO2 and Global Warming" seems much less complicated in terms of getting the right materials and executing the project effectively. I'm glad you've decided to select this project! In terms of getting an award, you potentially could; however, remember that this shouldn't be the only purpose/reason you're doing science fair!

And your 5th grade project sounds awesome! (Wish I did eco-friendly science fair projects back in elementary school)

Let me know if you have any more questions/concerns! I, along with a group of Experts, can guide you in whichever project you choose!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,
So do you think if the below project is ok to do?
http://www.projects.juliantrubin.com/sc ... ide_1.html
In the above project they mentioned to use Vaccum bell jar and you mentioned in your response that Vaccum bell jar wouldn’t be best way to test this experiment. Please clarifiy.

Otherwise I will stick to "CO2 and Global Warming": http://www.all-science-fair-projects.co ... 121_1.html

Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-352784]

Hi Lakshu,

Yes, it is okay for you to do EITHER project; it's honestly up to you (you are the one who makes the ultimate choice between two projects )! Just know that whether you choose the project with the vacuum bell jar or the "CO2 and Global Warming" project, we will try to guide you as much as possible.

I stated before that the vacuum bell jar wasn't the best way to model the atmosphere because I didn't originally understand the concept of using the bell jar in the described experiment, but after looking at the procedures, I understand the purpose of the bell jar. Sorry for any miscommunication!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,

Thanks for your reply. Yes I wish to proceed with the below project.

http://www.projects.juliantrubin.com/sc ... ide_1.html

To start with please let me know where to get the below materials : Vaccum bell jar, Barometer, solid carbon dioxide, Vaccum pump. Do you think I should get any other material. Hope they are not too costly

I am planning to start this project in 2 weeks.

Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-352784]

Hi Lakshu,

Awesome! Okay, so in order to get a vacuum bell jar, you either have to order online (which will be costly ) or get one from a local school and/or university lab. Barometers are definitely not as expensive as vacuum bell jars; however, if you can, also try to obtain one from your local university/school. My only concern regarding the barometer is that in the website, it states that the experiment uses the barometer to "measure 15 mm mercury", and mercury barometers are a bit costly (not to mention old fashioned!). Like I said earlier, solid carbon dioxide (you suggested dry ice in your original question) can probably be bought at your local grocery store with parental guidance and supervision (you'll need your parent to also help you handle the dry ice!). A vacuum pump can mostly likely be found at your local hardware store, or on Amazon.com. You should probably get any other materials that are used in the procedures of the experiment

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,

I tried from couple of places.. I could'nt get either barometer or vaccum bell jar. When I carefully reviewed both the projects I selected, as you mentioned "CO2 and Global Warming" seems to be less complicated. If I understood correctly, the concept for both the projects are same. Also we can get the materials easily. Let me research for getting the right materials and get back. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-352784]

Hi JSK,

I tried from couple of places.. I could'nt get either barometer or vaccum bell jar. When I carefully reviewed both the projects I selected, as you mentioned "CO2 and Global Warming" seems to be less complicated. If I understood correctly, the concept for both the projects are same. Also we can get the materials easily. Let me research for getting the right materials and get back. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
Lakshu

Hey Lakshu,

Yes, the "CO2 and Global Warming" and the current project have the same general idea of finding out the effect of carbon dioxide on the atmosphere! If you feel that "CO2 and Global Warming" will allow you to perform the experiment with less trouble (because I know that getting materials, especially expensive ones, can be a real hassle!), then I suggest that you do the CO2 and Global Warming project instead. Materials should never hinder you from exploring science!
Let me know if you have any other concerns! Hopefully you won't have trouble with materials for the CO2 and Global Warming project!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,
Thanks so much. I am going to get materials for CO2 and Global Warming next week. I am planning to go to Petsmart for fish tank. Hope there they will have fish tank with air tight covers. I am just thinking the below procedure is going to somewhat tricky
The third water tank is filled with air from the car exhaust. The open end of the plastic bag is wrapped around the exhaust of the car in such a way that the smoke from the exhaust will fill the bag. The plastic bag is fixed to the exhaust using masking tape. On the other end of the plastic bag, a small hole is made and the meter-long hose in inserted to a depth of about 5 cm. The hose is also fixed in place using the masking tape. The other end of the hose is inserted into a small opening in the tank cover, and the masking tape is used to seal the hose in its place. The car engine is started and left to run for 3 minutes with the help of the assistant and the smoke from the exhaust will be forced into the water tank. The tank is then sealed air tight with the cover and masking tape.
Please let me know your ideas to this part of testing. Hope I should get right hose to insert in the car. 
Thanks,
Lakshita

[deleted-352784]

Hi JSK,
Thanks so much. I am going to get materials for CO2 and Global Warming next week. I am planning to go to Petsmart for fish tank. Hope there they will have fish tank with air tight covers. I am just thinking the below procedure is going to somewhat tricky
The third water tank is filled with air from the car exhaust. The open end of the plastic bag is wrapped around the exhaust of the car in such a way that the smoke from the exhaust will fill the bag. The plastic bag is fixed to the exhaust using masking tape. On the other end of the plastic bag, a small hole is made and the meter-long hose in inserted to a depth of about 5 cm. The hose is also fixed in place using the masking tape. The other end of the hose is inserted into a small opening in the tank cover, and the masking tape is used to seal the hose in its place. The car engine is started and left to run for 3 minutes with the help of the assistant and the smoke from the exhaust will be forced into the water tank. The tank is then sealed air tight with the cover and masking tape.
Please let me know your ideas to this part of testing. Hope I should get right hose to insert in the car. 
Thanks,
Lakshita

Hey Lakshita,

I completely understand your concern with getting the materials; I tried searching in many different stores, and while not many of them offered specifically fish tanks with airtight covers, they did have many cheap fish tanks with covers that had a single hole. My suggestion is that you ask for cheap fish tanks (it shouldn't cost you more than $25 each; after all, this project is estimated to cost $90 and that already is expensive), and then just drill in the small 15-20 mm hole in each one (please have an adult/parent do this! no injuries!!) if there isn't already a hole. Then wrap masking tape attaching the cover to the tank so that it becomes airtight. ( You're probably going to use masking tape quite a bit!) Please ask the store employees about this, and explain your project to them! They will probably try to assist you as best as they can!

As for that part of the procedure, I agree, it is somewhat tricky. However, try to follow the instructions as best as possible, and remember that it's okay to modify the instructions a bit, as long as you're consistent. Please remember that when you're doing this part of the experiment that the car needs to be in a well-ventilated garage. And please have your parents/trusted adult guide you through this, and do not stay in the garage while the car is pumping exhaust gas into the tank. After 2-3 minutes are up, please have a parent supervise as you seal the tank. I want you to be as safe as possible!

If you have any more questions/concerns, please ask! Hope this helped!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Thanks sooo much JSK. I asked in PETCO for fishtank. They said they carry few with holes in it.
And there are air tight covers there. But I need to go and take a look. Also as you mentioned
I will wrap the cover with masking tape so that it is air tight. I will keep you posted as I progress.
Thanks once again.

Lakshita

[deleted-352784]

Thanks sooo much JSK. I asked in PETCO for fishtank. They said they carry few with holes in it.
And there are air tight covers there. But I need to go and take a look. Also as you mentioned
I will wrap the cover with masking tape so that it is air tight. I will keep you posted as I progress.
Thanks once again.

Lakshita

Hey Lakshita,

No problem, always here to help! I'm glad that there are airtight covers in PETCO! Keep me posted and I'll try to respond as soon as possible!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,

Need your help finding fish tank with small hole. I tried in many places. In petco and other stores they carry
only fish tank with large hole (larger than 15mm -20mm diameter)

Did you happen to see anywhere online so I can order. I understand we would not get airtight lids and we can make airtight using mask tapes.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[deleted-352784]

Hi JSK,

Need your help finding fish tank with small hole. I tried in many places. In petco and other stores they carry
only fish tank with large hole (larger than 15mm -20mm diameter)

Did you happen to see anywhere online so I can order. I understand we would not get airtight lids and we can make airtight using mask tapes.

Thanks,
Lakshita

Hey Lakshita,

I've done some searching and pulled up these results:

"API Aquarium Starter Kit" - https://www.chewy.com/api-aquariums-tro ... lsrc=aw.ds

This list from Walmart of cheap fish tanks - https://www.walmart.com/browse/pets/aqu ... 074_202101

If you search the phrase "cheap fish tanks" many results should come up with covers with a hole in it. The hole may be too big, but if you have already found the rubber hose 15-20mm in diameter and find that it is difficult to get a rubber hose with any other diameter, then just wrap duct tape over the hose and the hole area to make that area airtight. Remember that the goal is to either find a hole that is 15-20mm, or a rubber hose with the same diameter as the hole in the fish tank cover that you bought (so doesn't necessarily have to be 15-20mm).

Let me know of what you think or have decided on, or whether you've discovered anything! Please keep me posted!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,

For this experiment can you please suggest me which plastic bag I should use. Because if it is thin then I will not be able to insert rubber hose and it is going to tear. I am wondering which one to use.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,
Thanks so much for my previous email. Just now seeing your email. I don't know for what reason I was not able to view it before. It just popped up when I sent you reply I am planning to go for walmart Aqua Culture 1 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit. Hope this is correct.
Yes I found 15-20 mm diameter rubber hose in walmart only. As you suggested, I will wrap around masking tape to make it air tight. I am planning to start this project after Thanks giving. Due date is Jan 18th. Hopefully all these materials will help me to proceed. Can you also suggest me which plastic bag I should get.
Thanks,
Lakshita

[deleted-373171]

Hi JSK,

I got all my materials except plastic bag to tie to car exhaust. I also started documenting. Can you please suggest me which Plastic bag I should use.
I will share with you the documentation as and when I progress. Thanks so much for your help.

Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-352784]

Hi JSK,

I got all my materials except plastic bag to tie to car exhaust. I also started documenting. Can you please suggest me which Plastic bag I should use.
I will share with you the documentation as and when I progress. Thanks so much for your help.

Thanks,
Lakshu

Hey Lakshu,

So sorry I didn't see your previous posts! (I dearly apologize for replying a few weeks late!) That's awesome that you've started your experiment/data collecting already! As for which bag to use, I would suggest either getting bags like the black plastic trashcan bags (slightly stronger than your average HEB plastic bags) or even just layering plastic bags (perhaps you could put a plastic bag inside another plastic bag so that if the outer rips, the inner bag will still contain the CO2)!

Once again, my apologies for replying this late! Good luck with your data collection, and like always, feel free to ask questions/voice concerns about your project!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Dear JSK,
Thanks so much for replying. Sure I will get black plastic trash bag. Yes I started my experiment last week with normal air. It came correctly so far. I started preparing documentation too. can you please check if the below looks good for you. In my class my science teacher mentioned the first part of the hypothesis should specify IV and second part should have DV. Please let me know if any changes need to be made below

Title: Does the effect of Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere causes Global Warming?
(The rate at which the temperature falls for each Carbon dioxide level with Time)

Question: Will an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to rise in Global temperatures?

Variables:
Independent Variables: Time of observation
Dependent Variables: Temperature variation (for each Carbon dioxide level)
Controlled Variables: Normal Air
Constant: Environmental location, Initial temperature of the air in the tank, Type of the soil, Amount of the soil at the base of the tank, Volume of the tank

Hypothesis: If Carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere increases for a period of time, then the rate at which the temperature of the air cools down will be slow contributing to the rise in average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and result in Global Warming.

Thanks so much
Lakshita

[deleted-373171]

Dear JSK,
Can you please look at my title, question, hypothesis and variables and let me know if any changes.

Thanks,
Lakshita

[deleted-352784]

Dear JSK,
Thanks so much for replying. Sure I will get black plastic trash bag. Yes I started my experiment last week with normal air. It came correctly so far. I started preparing documentation too. can you please check if the below looks good for you. In my class my science teacher mentioned the first part of the hypothesis should specify IV and second part should have DV. Please let me know if any changes need to be made below

Title: Does the effect of Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere causes Global Warming?
(The rate at which the temperature falls for each Carbon dioxide level with Time)

Question: Will an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to rise in Global temperatures?

Variables:
Independent Variables: Time of observation
Dependent Variables: Temperature variation (for each Carbon dioxide level)
Controlled Variables: Normal Air
Constant: Environmental location, Initial temperature of the air in the tank, Type of the soil, Amount of the soil at the base of the tank, Volume of the tank

Hypothesis: If Carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere increases for a period of time, then the rate at which the temperature of the air cools down will be slow contributing to the rise in average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and result in Global Warming.

Thanks so much
Lakshita

Hey Lakshita,

Awesome, glad to hear that the project is going well for you so far, and that you've already started on documentation! Just a quick note, since your title, "Will an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to rise in Global temperatures?", indicates that you're testing the effect of carbon dioxide level on temperature variation, your independent variable should be 'carbon dioxide level' rather than 'time of observation'. Thus, your conclusion may change slightly to just say:
'If the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere increases, then the rate at which the temperature of the air cools down will be slow, contributing to the rise in average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and result in global warming.'

Hope this helped!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Dear JSK,

Thanks for your explanation. Yes in my class they taught us that first part of the hypothesis will be independent variable. In that case the x-axis for graph should be carbon dioxide level right?

Can you please help me clarify my old project for my better understanding incase if I want to modify the old project and use it as a model for my documentation:

Title: Are Banana Briquettes an energy efficient and ecofriendly Biofuel?
(The degree of rise of temperature and the amount of joules of energy for every fuel with Time)

Question:
Do Banana Briquettes serve as a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly substitute for coal?

Variables:
Independent Variables: Time of observation for every fuel (coal vs banana briquettes vs coal & banana briquettes)
Dependent Variables: Degree of rise of temperature and amount of joules of energy
Constant: Environmental location, amount of water for heating

Hypothesis:
If banana briquettes are used as a biofuel, then it could be an alternative energy source for coal and more ecofriendly.

Can you also clarify what would be the controlled group in this case? hope controlled variables and controlled group are different right?

Thanks for your time. I am really confused on how to chose the title and variables.

Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-373171]

Dear JSK,

Based on your last email, I modified my previous project as below. Can you please check and let me know if this makes more sense. Your direction helps me for my better understanding on how to phrase the hypothesis and variables.

Title: Are Banana Briquettes an energy efficient and ecofriendly Biofuel?
(The degree of rise of temperature and the amount of joules of energy for every fuel with Time)

Question:
Is there any fuel which serves as a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly substitute for Coal?
Variables:
Independent Variables: Fuel type (Coal VS Banana Briquettes VS Coal & Banana Briquettes)
Dependent Variables: Degree of rise of temperature and amount of joules of energy for every fuel in 6 minutes
Constant: Environmental location, amount of water for heating, time measured for burning, weight of the fuel
Hypothesis:
If banana briquettes are used as a fuel, then the degree of rise of temperature and heat energy is high and hence could be an alternative energy source for coal and more ecofriendly.

Also please guide me in this case how to develop the graph.

Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-373171]

Dear JSK,

I opened a new subject line Biofuels. Please look into this subject line for my other project and help me understand please.

Thanks,
Lakshu

[deleted-352784]

Dear JSK,

Thanks for your explanation. Yes in my class they taught us that first part of the hypothesis will be independent variable. In that case the x-axis for graph should be carbon dioxide level right?

Can you please help me clarify my old project for my better understanding incase if I want to modify the old project and use it as a model for my documentation:

Title: Are Banana Briquettes an energy efficient and ecofriendly Biofuel?
(The degree of rise of temperature and the amount of joules of energy for every fuel with Time)

Question:
Do Banana Briquettes serve as a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly substitute for coal?

Variables:
Independent Variables: Time of observation for every fuel (coal vs banana briquettes vs coal & banana briquettes)
Dependent Variables: Degree of rise of temperature and amount of joules of energy
Constant: Environmental location, amount of water for heating

Hypothesis:
If banana briquettes are used as a biofuel, then it could be an alternative energy source for coal and more ecofriendly.

Can you also clarify what would be the controlled group in this case? hope controlled variables and controlled group are different right?

Thanks for your time. I am really confused on how to chose the title and variables.

Thanks,
Lakshu

Hey Lakshu,

I am slightly confused now. Are you not doing your other project (which was testing the effect of the level of carbon dioxide on the atmosphere (temperature change)), and is this a completely new science fair project? And could you perhaps give details on this new project/modification you are doing now, so that I can try to help out as much as possible?

To answer your other question, the graph that you would produce for your old project would look similar to the graph here: http://www.all-science-fair-projects.co ... 121_3.html

And controlled variables and control group are different, yes! However, because I don't exactly know any details about this new project/modification on older project that you're conducting now, I can't tell you what your control group or controlled variables are!

-JSK

[deleted-373171]

Dear JSK,
Yes due to lack of time and shifting our home now, my mom recommended to take the project I have already did and make enhancements to it.
I took this project idea from the below link
http://www.virtualsciencefair.org/2010/zhenxm2

Based on that please let me know if the below information looks good or if any changes required.

Title: Using Banana Peels to Zoom Fast

Are Banana Briquettes an energy efficient and eco-friendly Bio-fuel?
(The degree of rise of temperature and the amount of joules of energy for every fuel with Time)

Question: When Banana Briquettes are heated, will it be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly substitute than Coal?

Independent Variables: Time of Observation (in min)
Dependent Variables : Degree of rise of Temperature and the amount of joules of energy for every fuel (coal vs banana briquettes vs co-firing)
Constant: Enviornmental location, amount of water for heating, weight of fuel
Control group: coal

Hypothesis: If Banana Briquettes are heated and measured for a period of time, then the degree of rise of temperature and heat energy is high and hence could be an alternative energy source for coal and more ecofriendly.

Can you please provide me catch title if you think otherwise. I have to submit the science fair project on Jan 18. it is already late

Thanks,
Lakshu