Oil Molecule Lab

[Lauren Rhines]

Scientifically oriented question: What is the estimated size of an oil molecule?

Evidence: The lab process that was required to do was to drop a molecule of oil into lightly powdered water. Then we were to measure the diameter of the molecule. The volume of an oil drop is 0.065mm^3 and the area of an oil drop is .196mm^2.  The calculate thickness of the oil layer was .331mm.

Explanation: It is possible for the thickness of an oil molecule to determine the size. The patch of oil is only a molecule thick.  After finding the volume of an oil drop (0.065mm^3) we could then find the area of an oil drop (.196mm^2) and the thickness of an oil drop (.331mm).  

Connection: This is helpful in the real world because a ruler isn't always available.  Creativity and research plays a major role in finding information and calculations.  Knowledge of chemical formulas and math is very useful.  Nanotechnology is important in today's society and world. Everyday medicine and tools involve nanotechnology.

Communication: After doing this lab, I can communicate to my peers by writing an essay on what I found.  Creating a graph or diagram would be useful and I could present information that way as well. I can then share my findings with my peers.  We are all able to help each other on certain elements of every lab we don't understand.  If we all communicate and discuss things together, we will be able to understand the science behind everyday things together. 

Reflection: My response was similar to others, but final calculations for size of the molecule seems to vary throughout the class. It could be due to the amount of powder, oil, or water.  Different elements can all effect the outcome when they all come together.  The different numbers were contributed from every different aspect that was involved in this lab.