Size of an Oil Mocecule Lab

[DJmaxy]

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

Evidence –Since the diameter of the oil drop was .5mm and the diameter of the spread oil was 10mm, we could conclude that the volume of the drop and the area of the spread oil drop. The volume of the oil drop was .065 mm^3. The area of the spread oil drop was 78.53 mm^2. Therefor, the thickness of the oil layer was .00083mm.

Explanation- If we know that the thickness of the oil molecule is equal to the length of an oil layer then we can conclude that the length of an oil molecule is 8.3x10^4 mm.

Connection- Without accuracy during this lab, our finding would be absolutely incorrect and useless. This shows how important it is to be able to accuracy measure substances during our experiments in chemistry as well as our finding in our every day lives.

Communication – The best way to show the teacher or peers our findings would be to show to them our measurements and where they came from, then show them the mathematics we did to come to our conclusions about the volume and size of the oil drop.

Reflection – Our numbers were not similar to our peers, mostly because of some problems we encountered during the experience. We put too much powder in the petri dish, resulting in the oil droplet not being able to spread out as much as it should of. Although our expirement was a bit off, I understand the concept of what we were trying to accomplish and the importance of accurate measurements.