What is the estimated size of an oil molecule?

[Maddie Thomas]

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

 

Evidence – We used the formula 4/3(pi)(r)^3. The diameter of the drop of oil was 0.5mm, which means the radius was .25mm. Using the formula [4/3(pi)(.25)^3] we discovered that the volume of the drop was .065^3. And to find the aera we used the formula (pi)(r)^2. My group's diameter (which vaired from group to group) for the spread of the oil molecule was 95mm meaning that the radius was 47.5mm. The thickness of the oil layer was calculated using 0.065=π(2.5)^2h. We solved for h and got a thickness of 0.0033mm or in scientific notation, 3.3x10^-3mm.

Explanation- we calculated the area of the spread oil drop using the formula A=πr^2H and we ended up with 3.69x10^-4mm which was also the size of an oil molecule.

 

Connection-  An actual way we use this experiment is through nanotechnology. Using nanotechnology, materials can be made to be stronger or lighter.

Communication –  I think the best way to communicate about nanotechnology is to watch demonstrations of how they are produced. That way we will be able to see how important nanotechnology it is.

Reflection – By talking to the other people in my class, I realized that my groups answers wern't the same as other groups.  This is because we all did the experiment a little different.  wheather it's the amount of powder or the size of the oil drop, everybodies experiment varied.