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Need to build a Gamileo thermometer with recycled material ????


quatumrulesoverall

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http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_scope.php?news_story_ID=52644

 

We made ours with 15 small baby-food jars. The jars were cleaned, weighted with sand, sealed with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and screwed tight. Alternatively, plastic vials with snap lids can be used. Our jars had masses between 107.0 and 105.4 g, however, these masses will vary with the jars used. It was useful to have a gram balance with an accuracy of 0.01 g in order to mass the jars accurately.

 

Because the density of pure water increases from 0.999 g/mL at 0°C to 1.000 g/mL at 4°C and then decreases to 0.972 g/mL at 80°C, the jars must be designed to have densities ranging from 0.99 to 0.985 g/mL to span a temperature range of 4 to 60°C (see Resources for density chart). For the class demonstration, the jars are placed in a fish tank of warm water (~60°C), and most of them sink. Ice is added and, as the water cools, the jars float to the surface one at a time. This demonstration takes about 30 minutes, and is best started at the beginning of a class period and allowed to develop as the lesson progresses. Students are asked to work in groups to develop an explanation for what they observed, which is then shared with the class.

 

As an expansion or variation of this activity, students can first determine the density of pre-made jars through a mass/volume measurement. They then note the temperature at which each jar floats to the surface. Assuming that the water’s density at that temperature equals that of the specific jar is an acceptable approximation. The class can then graph the jar density vs. the temperature at which it floated up.

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Can we use smaller thermometer

Probably, but it would likely be harder.

 

can we make it sink when temperature rises

Not to my knowledge, and not too likely, but maybe.

 

How about using oil as the surrounding liquid in galileo thermometer?
Use anything you want. It's density that matters. However, oil's viscosity may impact how the floatillas (whatever they're called) move about.

 

Is water a better choice?

Probably easier.

 

Is salt a wise choice as a substance inside the small jars? Thanks

 

You do notice I copy/pasted my entire response to your question right? :kiss:

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