Investigating the effect of SA:V on rate of cellular diffusion 

Research question: How does the Volume of the Agar Cube affect the diffused volume without violet colour?

 

Background: Diffusion is a process by which molecules move down their concentration gradient. The process does not require any membrane. It can be affected by temperature, volume, concentration and much more.

 

Hypothesis: The larger the volume of the Agar Cube, the more diffused volume without purple colour of the Agar Cube.

Variables:

 

•  

• Diffused volume without violet colour of the Agar Cube

•  

• The Volume of the Agar Cube

•  

•  Temperature

•  Waiting Time

•   Amount of HCl poured in

Apparatus and materials (one of each for a group)

 

 

 

• Knife

• Ruler

• Beaker

• Measuring cylinder

• Timer

• Spoon

• Petri dish

• Weight

• Paper towels (optional)

• 100mL of 0.1M HCl

• Tray of agar with phenolphthalein

 

Method

1. Measuring out with a ruler cut out 3 agar cubes with the following edge lengths: 1cm; 1.5 cm; 2 cm. Cut as accurately as possible.

2. Pour 100mL of 0.1M HCl

3. Put the three cubes into the solution.

4. Immediately turn on the timer.

5.  Leave the cubes in the solution for 10 minutes; remember to make sure that the cubes are not touching!

6. After the 10 minutes had passed, take out the cubes onto the petri dish using a spoon.

7. Blot the cubes with a paper towel, so no liquid is left on them.

8. Cut each of the cubes in half and collect measurements using a ruler.

 

Safety

 

As HCl is a corrosive acid that can cause chemical burns on skin and permanent blindness when contacted with eyes. Be sure to wear goggles at all times and do not touch your eyes.