Jessica+J13

Jessica J 2012-2013
 * DETERMINING THE HEATING RATE OF A LAVA LAMP **

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the heating rate of a lava lamp. It was hypothesized that in one minute the temperature will increase about half of a degree. This was proved incorrect; because it turns out that the temperature actually increases //less// than half of a degree Celsius per minute. It was about one fourth of a degree increase per minute. This is how the experiment was performed. The first lava lamp was turned on. The temperature was measured with the temperature scanner; against the outside of the lava lamp, after it has completely heated up for four hours. Next the second lava lamp was turned on. The temperature was measured, again with the temperature scanner outside of the lava lamp, also after it has completely heated up for four hours. The temperatures of each were also measured at 100 minutes and 0 minutes, adding to the measuring at 245 minutes. Also, multiple experiments were performed after this to make further investigations. Lava lamps that are different shapes were compared. Homemade lava lamps were creating; determine if the temperature affects how well it works. Also, different types of candy were dropped into the homemade lava lamps to see if it caused a functional reaction. At the end of the first experiment it was discovered that in one minute the temperature increases less than half of a degree.
 * ABSTRACT **

A way that the first experiment could be improved is if the temperature probe was placed actually //inside // of the lava lamp rather than just on the outside interior. Another improvement could be made from this point. The temperature could be tested at more than three times. This could find a more precise result. An experiment that could be performed after this is a test to see if the heating rate of a lava lamp differs with different colored lava lamps or different brands.
 * EXPERIMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND FUTURE EXPERIMENTS **

To read the complete ISP paper for this experiment, use the PDF below. 