Crystal Growth

Abstract

Which environment promotes the healthiest crystal growth. This experimenter assumes that crystal growth would be most phenomenal in a cold environment.

This experiment took place in a science lab. Materials include six glass containers, water kettle, three beakers, filters, marker, caliper (for measurement), hot tap water, table salt and epsom salt. To begin project hot water (120 ml) was poured into two beakers. Next ½ cup of table salt was poured into beaker “A” and ½ cup epsom salt was poured into beaker “B”, both were stirred until salt grains were no longer visible. After, filter was placed over top of beaker “C” where experimenter poured both beaker “A” and “B” liquid into filter to fill beaker “C”. Glass containers were each labeled with marker ‘room temperature ‘A’ & ‘B’,” “cold temperature “A’ & ‘B’” and “warm temperature ‘A & B’”; contents from beakers “A” and “B” were equally divided between glass containers. One of each glass containers “A” & “B” were then placed in refrigerator, on table and on top of heater. Containers were checked one week later for data collection. Crystals were measured by caliper three times each.

The results from the Table Salt experiment yielded crystallization has average width of 20 mm in warm environment, 17 mm at room temperature and 41 mm in cool environment, with a median growth of 28.2. The Epsom salt crystallization growth yielded an average of 42 mm in warm environment, 38 mm at room temperature and 67 in cool environment, with a median growth of 49. There were three locations that each crystal went to. One was cold and it was 42. Second was room temp. It was 72 and last was warm it was 82.

In conclusion, I have learned that the most phenomenal crystallization occurred in the cold environment. This experimental hypothesis was correct. Hypothesis was based on experimenter's knowledge of crystals being grown in cave type environments where temperatures are on average significantly lower. Experiment could be expanded with utilization of idolized and alum salt to broaden results.

Data