Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I have switched topics and need help!! What would be tbe key terms in finding out which store brands paper towels are the most absorbant? Also, how many trials should i do and how many different types of brands should I do?

Hi

I would suggest using all brands and types of paper towels available in the supermarket ( at least 6). You can cut a sample of same size from each one of them and drop water from a dropper until the towel is fully saturated and keep dropping the water until the paper can't hold any more water and water starts flowing. As soon as this happens stop dripping the water and record the amount of water used. I would suggest repeating this procedure at least 3 times for each brand of towel ( 18 trials). You can also repeat this procedure with other liquids both more and less viscous compared to water to make your results more substantive.
You can also check the folowing sites for more information:

http://sciencefairprojectsreview.com/wh ... absorbent/
http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2005/Projects/J1133.pdf

Best of luck with your project

Sumit Mitra

Hello,

I would have to agree with everything Sumit said, especially the last part about changing the viscosity of the fluids (consider oils, syrups, juices, milk, etc. since these are paper towels we're talking about). It would definitely add a different element to your project.