Keith Chan
Physics Lab Planning (A) Topic: Plan an experiment to investigate one factor that affects the spring constant of springs. Research question Investigate how the force applied affects the spring constant of springs. Hypothesis As the surface area of the lump of ice increases, the rate of melting of the ice lump increases. Explanation Melting of ice in a beaker of water is measured by the increase in water level in the beaker. As the surface area of the lump of ice increases, the greater is the area for heat transfer between the water and the lump of ice per unit time. Thus, the rate of heat transfer between the ice and water increases. Resulting in a higher rate of melting. The change in surface area can be achieved by making ice cubes of different volume (i.e. difference surface area).
Rise in water level
A lump of ice
A beaker of water Fig. 1 A lump of ice in a beaker of water
Variables 1. 2. 3. Independent variables: Surface area of the lump of ice Dependent variables: Rate of melting of ice (the rate of increase in water level) Constants: Temperature of the water (i.e. the beaker should be insulated) Evaporation rate of water (i.e. the beaker should be covered) Ice surface in contact with water (i.e. ensure the ice is fully submerged in water)
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