Introduction
Arranging and replicating experiments is regarded as a precious managing experience, as the performer learns to utilize the resources available, as well as rule the entire replication process. Therefore, the aim o this paper is to describe the process of an experiment dedicated to studying paper towels, and their absorbency characteristics. The results of the experiment will be recorded in accordance with the aims and principles of scientific research, and requirements of the scientific inquiry.
Project Plan
The project is aimed at confirming the statement that more expensive paper towels absorb larger amounts of water. The independent variable is the weight of water that will be absorbed by the different towels, and the dependent variable is associated with the number of samples and the price of the towels. The experiment will be aimed at measuring the volumes of the water absorbed by each towel. This is needed for defining the reasonability of purchasing more brandy and expensive paper towels.
Literature Review
As it is stated in most researches dedicated to studying the origins of the paper tissues, as well as technologies, the more porous structures are featured with better absorbency. These structures are achieved by more complicated technologies (Kalil 2008; Sasser, 2007). However, some kitchen towels may be also impregnated with special capillary active substances that will decrease the absorbency. (McMurry, 2003).
Experimental Design
First, at least four brands of paper towels will be taken (five equal samples each for decreasing the error rate). Each sample will be weighted, as the samples may be of different densities and mass. Then, each sample will be placed into the water for 25 seconds, and then weighted. This will help to remove the squeeze force factor, as samples may be squeezed with various forces that will cause the distortion of the results.
The second stage of the experiment may be arranged. The only difference is that the samples will be placed on the scales in 30 seconds after taking them off the water. This will make some water flow down, and new characteristics will be discovered.
In comparison with the generally accepted absorbency measuring method, when water is squeezed out of the samples, this method will not consider the squeezing power; hence, it is more accurate. The method was taken from the biology experiments experience when the samples are weighted after the reaction. Moreover, the porous structure of the towels will not let the experimenter squeeze all the water, which will cause sufficient distortion of the experiment results.
Sequence of Events
The quantitative data will be collected with a ruler and scales. The ruler will be needed for cutting equal pieces of the towels, and scales will be needed for weighting dry samples, and then for weighting samples after immersion into the water.
- Tools
- Four brands of paper towels (5 samples for each brand, and 5 samples for the second stage if needed)
- Ruler
- Scissors
- A stopwatch
- A beaker
- Scales
- Terry towel
Variables
- The Independent variable – is the weight of the samples before and after immersion.
- Dependent variable – the weight of the water absorbed is the dependent variable that is defined by the absorbency characteristics of each paper towel sample.
- Controlled variable – the amount of samples, and time of immersion (time of flowing down in the second part of the experiment)
Threat Reduction
The cause-effect relations between dependent and independent variables are defined by the amount of water absorbed by the towels. This will be controlled with the stopwatch, and the outside influence is closely associated with the matters of the inaccuracy of the experimenter’s assistants, hence, terry towels are needed for increasing the safety of the experiment, and reducing the threat that may be caused by water spill.
Hypothesis
The more expensive brands of paper towels will absorb more water, and the weight difference between the initial weight, and weight after immersion will be different for different brands. The second stage will involve measuring the porous characteristics of the towel samples, while the flowed down water will be helpful for considering the absorbency characteristics of the cellulose structure.
Additionally, more brandy samples may be impregnated with capillary active substances that will improve the absorbency characteristics. However, these may be intended for cleaning, and grease removing purposes, while their absorbency features will be lower in comparison with cheaper samples. Such a presumption was achieved after study of the chemical composition of various cellulose structures, as well as capillary active substances that are used for dishwashing, or laundry.
Results
In accordance with the findings and results of the experiment, the absorbency level of paper towels is defined by the structure and impregnation, if any, of the paper. The brands were ranged in accordance with the price, while the results did not confirm the hypothesis. Therefore, brand 3 that is a bit more expensive in comparison with brand 2, absorbed less water, and brand 4 absorbed the largest amount. However, in accordance with the hypothesis correlation presumed, the brand three was impregnated with capillary active substance. Hence, these samples are more suitable for grease removal, while the water absorbency level is decreased slightly.
Conclusion
The experiment was performed in accordance with the stated hypothesis, and the results that were achieved, confirmed the general statement of the key aim. Therefore, it is stated that more expensive brands of paper towels are featured with higher absorbency characteristics, while some deviation is possible. This deviation was found and confirmed by weighting samples of paper towels after immersion into water.
References
Kalil, B. (2008). Tissue market continues to grow. Tech Channel :Papermaking. Web.
McMurry, John (2003). Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry. Agnus McDonald.
Sasser, S., L. (2007) Paper Towels. The Texas A&M.