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Capillary Action (using scientific method?)

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:38 pm
by BerwinC
I'm having trouble with the hardest (and first) part of a science fair project; Thinking of a question that can be tested using scientific method. I have tried many things, but they were not very original. I decided to think of an interesting topic and decided to do capillary action. My problem is thinking of a question testable using scientific method (control group, independent variable, dependent variable, etc.) I know a lot about capillary action already, but i cant think of a project to go with it. The hardest part is using the scientific method. i have tried researching to see if anybody has done a similar project before, but all of them did not use scientific method. They just did something cool and showed it off. My topic question is due very soon. Can somebody please help me? Thank you in advance.


[EDIT] (changed my question a little)

I searched all over, but all i could find were simple ideas.

I couldn't find a way to test any of them. I need to use scientific method to test my question.
(i know what scientific method is, but i don't know how to put it to use)

If i wanted to test capillary action; How can i ask my question? what should be my control group? What can i do for dependent variable?

Can anybody give me some tips?

Re: Capillary Action

Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:55 pm
by sumitmitra2
Hi

Your question is not very clear. I am not sure what you want to test using capillary action. You might have already checked this out but if not please look at http://www.super-science-fair-projects. ... jects.html

Sumit

Re: Capillary Action (using scientific method?)

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 8:39 pm
by BerwinC
I changed my question to make it a little more clear. Thank you for your help! :D

Re: Capillary Action (using scientific method?)

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:47 am
by deleted-71588
You asking us to do your thinking for you! Since your blocked, here is how I might approach thinking about this kind of project...

What is known about capillary action? Hopefully you understand capillary action to be associated with some force that causes a liquid inside to rise or sink in a small diameter tube (capillary) compared with the liquid level outside. If not, then you didn't do your research.

What variables might exist that can easily be measured experimentally? Well one obvious one jumps out at me just from the definition of capillary action as stated above.

Now what might influence that variable? viscosity of the liquid? specific gravity of the liquid? atmospheric pressure? Inside capillary diameter? There are probably more and from a scientific project perspective, pick ones that interest you and figure out ways to control the others.

Re: Capillary Action (using scientific method?)

Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:33 pm
by BerwinC
Thank you for your help! :D