Oil molecule

[Emily Datsko]

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

Evidence- We calculated the volume using the formula 4/3(pi)(r)^3. We found that the diameter of the drop of oil was 0.5mm, so the radius was .25mm. Using 4/3(pi)(.25)^3 we discovered that the volume of the drop was .065^3. The formula for area is (pi)(r)^2. My group's diameter for the spread of the oil molecule was 95mm meaning that the radius was 47.5mm. (pi)(47.5)^2 equals 7088mm^2 which is the area of the spread of the oil. The thickness of the oil layer was calculated using 0.065=π(2.5)^2h. We had to solve for h and ended up with a thickness of 0.0033mm or 3.3x10^-3mm.

Explanation- By calculating the volume and the area of the spread of the oil, we were able to find the thickness and height of the oil molecule which was the size of it. The size of our molecule came out to be 3.3x10^-3mm.

Connection- The lab showed how important it is to be able to get accurate measurements, especially when what we are measuring is very small. In a real life situation, this skill could be the difference between life and death. It is extremely important for doctors and heath professionals to know how to do these calculations. If they were to screw up some of the numbers or round incorrectly, they could give a patient the wrong amount of medicine and make them very sick or even kill them.

Communication- We could explain the steps we went through in order to get to the answer to other students and help our classmates better understand it. To get people to recognize how important this is, we could create a list of all of the products that rely on this science to be created.

Reflection- Most of the other students came up with the same use for this skill, which is the medical field. Almost everyone came up with a different end size because of the difference in the amount of oil used and the time they allowed for the oil to spread. Overall, it seems that everyone understands the lab and was able to work with their group to come up with the measurements for the oil molecule.