Name: Ryan Chan

Class: Y10 Hope

Teacher: Mr Slosberg

Investigation question: How does the mass (g) of corn starch added to the water would affect the velocity
(m/s) of waves?

Background:
The aim of this experiment is to identify how adding corn starch (altering density) to water will affect the
velocity of waves. To do this, I will drop a marble into a plastic tray filled with water and change the mass
of starch added each time (e.g. 0g, 2g,10g). The independent variable of my experiment

Velocity will be used in my experiment and the unit is centimetre/second (cm/s). To find this, I will use the
distance/time formula. Even though the metric standard unit for velocity is m/s, my tray is shorter than 1
metre, hence, I will be using metre/second. In this experiment, I will be required to use my phone to
record my experiment. The reason behind this is that I will use an application called Logger Pro to create a
distance over time graph, using video recordings of my experiment. To make this graph, I will first need to
insert video clips into the application, and mark a point on the wave crest every 0.333 seconds1. A distance
over time graph will be created by the software and I will be able to create a line of best fit on the graph,
and use it for my data collection & analysis. Since there will be a lot of errors in the data that I collect, I will
display error bars in my graph and make 2 manual line of best fit, which would cover the maximum and
minimum values in my error bars.

Prior to this experiment, I have done a little investigation on my own in this area 4 years ago. I was
interested in finding out why does a boat float and has discovered that as the amount of salt increases, the
density increases and things like boats will float on water. To help me out in this experiment I have
compared the density of salt and corn starch, which is 2.17g/cm3 2 and 0.541g/cm3 3.

Hypothesis:
I predict that as more corn starch is added (density of water increases), the waves generated by the falling
marble will be slower. So, waves would travel faster when there is no corn starch added.

Explanation for hypothesis:

The reason that I think that waves travel slower because the more energy is required for the waves to
4
move since there is a tighter space. In the equation = we can see that they are directly related to
each other. In this equation, v represents velocity and represents density. When more corn starch is
added, molecules get closer, hence travelling slower.

1 3/20/2017, and Phy 133 Lab 2 Acceleration [Stony Brook Physics Laborator. Stony Brook Physics Laboratory Manuals PHY 133
Lab 2 - Acceleration (n.d.): n. pag. Stony Brook Physics Laboratory Manuals. 20 Mar. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.
2 "Salt." Salt Density in 285 Measurement Units. N.p., 2006. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
3 "Cornstarch." Cornstarch Density in 285 Measurement Units. N.p., 2006. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.

4 "Density and Wave Speed." Physics Stack Exchange. N.p., 31 Aug. 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
 Predicted results
50
Velocity of waves (cm/s)

40
30
20
10
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Mass of salt added (g)

Independent Variable Mass of corn starch

Unit(s) of independent variable Grams (g)
Range of IV measured From 0-10g of corn starch
Describe and explain the I will not add any corn starch for the first set of data. After that, I will
procedure to change the IV measure 2g of corn starch in a beaker using an electronic balance. I
will add 2g of corn starch into the water tray and do 3 trials. I will
then measure 2g of corn starch again and add it into the water
again, making it 4g of corn starch in total. I will repeat this for 2,4,6,8
and 10g of corn starch.

Dependant Variable Distance / Time of wave

Unit(s) of dependant variable Distance: Centimetre
Time: Seconds (s)
Describe and explain the I will use an application called logger pro to find out the distance and
procedure to calculate the DV time of the water wave. I will insert the video clip of my experiment
into the application and use on of the functions to track the
movement of the waves. I will click on one of the wave crest, which
marks a point on the video and forwards the clip by 0.033 seconds. I
will then plot another point. This will be repeated until the wave hits
the edge of the tray. This function will tell me the distance that the
wave travelled every 0.033 seconds.

Derived variable Velocity of waves

Unit(s) of DV Centimetre per second (cm/s)
Describe and explain procedure I will use the graph and information collected from logger pro (the
to calculate DV time and distance), I will then use the equation
velocity=distance/time

Controlled variable(s) Procedure and why it matters

Volume of water For the entirety of the experiment, I will not add or remove any
water from the tray, which means that the volume will be constant.
This is important because water depth is a factor of velocity of
waves. Deep water waves travel faster than shallow water waves
because of friction (they start pushing against the tray/sea bed)5
Water container I will use the same tray to conduct the whole experiment. The
reason for this is because different materials have different

5Dewhurst, Toby. "Why Do Waves in Water Slow down on Entering Shallower Region?" N.p., 7 Oct. 2014. Web. 11 Apr.
2017.
 coefficient of dynamic friction. For example, containers made from
FEP has a coefficient of 0.08-3 whilst containers made from
Polycarbonate has a coefficient of 0.3-0.9, which means that water
would travel much slower in a polycarbonate container.
Temperature of water I will control the temperature of the water by maintaining the
temperature of the air conditioning in the room. I will also make
sure no heating equipment (e.g. Bunsen burner, water bath, strong
light source) is within 10m of the experiment. This is because
molecules travel faster in higher temperatures. Also, if the
temperature is over the boiling point, water will start to evaporate,
resulting in loss of water, thus not fulfilling the first controlled
variable (volume of water).
[research]
Type of water I will control the type of water by using water from one water
source only. Sea water contains high amounts of salt, which makes it
more dense than clear water. In order to make my experiment fair
and square, I must use only one type of water (tap water)
Size of marble I will only use one marble for the whole experiment. Different sizes
of marbles would have different area of impact on the water
surface, generating waves of different height and velocity.

Angle of camera I will do this my placing a ruler next to the tray and line up the frame
of my phone with the ruler so that they are parallel to each other.
This is very important when plotting graphs in logger pro. If my
camera is tilted when recording the experiment, it would seem like
the waves are travelling slower than in reality and my graph would
be inaccurate.

Equipment list:
- 25x40x3cm plastic tray x1
- 30g corn starch
- Electronic balance x1
- 250ml beaker x1
- Water source (tap)
- Camera enabled device x1
- 30cm ruler x1
- Computer
- Logger pro software
- Lamp x1
- Partner (if available)
- Safety goggles x1

Issue Importance Precautions In case of emergency

Water damage on This experiment will
electronic devices require phones/cameras
and laptops, and will be
performed using a tray
full of water. There is a
possibility that electronic
devices will be dropped
into the water tray, or
soaked in water after
I will make sure that In case of emergency, I will
all unnecessary turn off the device
devices will be placed immediately and remove the
on the tables (which is plug (if available). I will then
>2m away from my use a dry towel to clean the
working bench). In my device and the plug. Next I
experiment, I will will report the incident to the
constantly use towel teacher and request
to clean electric permission to go to the I.T.
 spoilage. There is a sources / devices like department to get my device
chance that students in the charging ports checked. If the I.T.
the room will get and the area around department gives a green
electrocuted since water the balance to make light, I will return to the lab to
is an excellent conductor sure they are dry at all continue my experiment with
of electricity. times. I will also use another device. If the I.T.
Furthermore, there are an iRing to ensure department says that my
charging ports right that my device is in danger, I will take
under my working phone/camera does my device to the
bench, which means that not fall into water. manufacturer to check for
there is a chance water any damage.
will go into the holes.
Glass ware damage A beaker is required in I will hold the beaker I will first warn the people
my experiment and firmly with both around me about the broken
there is a risk that I will hands when carrying glassware, so they can be
break this fragile it around, but not too careful and warn others as
equipment. Broken tight as I might crush well. I will then report the
pieces of glass can be the beaker. I will also incident to the teacher and
extremely dangerous place the beaker near ask permission to grab some
because of its sharp the edge of the wall cleaning equipment from the
edges, and cut fingers or to prevent myself toilet to clear up the mess. If I
skin. There are a lot of from brushing it off happen to cut myself, I will go
students in the lab and the bench. to the nurse as soon as
there is a possibility that possible to take care of my
they will hurt wounds.
themselves by
contacting broken
glassware.
Contaminant There is a chance that I will avoid any I will wash my hands with
getting into eyes corn starch or water will contact with my eyes. soap immediately and wash
get into my eyes, causing I will also constantly my face with clear water from
pain and discomfort. wash my hands. the tap. Then, I will request
More serious cases could Another way to permission from the teacher
result in long term prevent contaminant to go to the nurse.
blindness. from getting into eyes
is to wear safety
goggles, which is
essential in every
assessment.
Burn damage from The lamp in my I will avoid any Turn off light immediately.
lamp experiment will be contact with the Report incident to teacher
extremely hot after upper part of the and request permission to
running for just a few lamp. When I hold it, I visit nurse.
minutes and any contact will hold the base of
could cause burn. the lamp. I will also
make sure I turn off
the switch before I
remove the plug.
Damage of other There are many To prevent this, I will In case of fire, I will
lab equipment students, equipment and make sure that my immediately report the
animals in the lab and it experiment will be incident to the teacher and
is important to be conducted in a clear ring the fire alarm. In case of
 careful when doing area (no fish tanks). I toxic or corrosive chemicals
anything there. Some will also make sure spill, I will wash the affected
toxic or corrosive that the nearest areas with clear water and
chemicals might be student doing their report incident to teacher. I
spilled over, potentially experiment is more will then go to the toilet to
hurting myself, other than half a metre get cleansing equipment. If
students and even the away from me. If I damage is serious, I will
animals around the lab. have to go back and request permission from the
Some equipment like forth the classroom, I teacher to visit nurse. If any
Bunsen burner and hot will take the middle animals are hurt, I will report
water bath could burn route to avoid to the teacher immediately
others and even the lab. potential harm to the and ask for assistance since I
animals. have no experience in petting
sea creatures, and cannot
resolve the situation on my
own.

Setup: The tray will be filled with 2.5cm depth of waters

A ruler A lamp
will be will be
used used to
for light up
making a the area
scale in so that
Logger the
Pro. camera
can
capture
the
waves.

A marble
will be
dropped
to create
waves
The electronic A beaker will Corn starch will
balance will be be used to hold be used as the
used to weight the corn starch contaminant
2g of corn of the water
starch
Method for practical (data collection):
1. Collect all materials and equipment according to the material list
2. Wear safety goggles
3. Fill plastic tray with 2.5cm depth of water
4. Wait for water to sit still
5. Turn on the camera enabled device and select video mode
6. Hold up phone horizontally so that it is directly above the tray and makes a bird eye view of the
plastic tray (may ask a partner to help out)
7. Start recording and hold camera still
8. Get a marble and drop it to the centre of the water tray (remember the dropping point of marble)
9. Stop recording 10 seconds after the marble has fallen into the water
10. Wait for water to sit still again
11. Repeat step 5-9 (second trial)
12. Repeat step 5-9 (third trial)
13. Plug the electronic balance
14. Turn on electronic balance
15. Place beaker onto electronic balance
16. Press the zero or re-zero button on balance
17. Add 2g of corn starch into beaker
18. Pour all corn starch that is in the beaker into the water tray
19. Mix the water/corn starch with a ruler for 30 seconds
20. Wait for mixture to sit still
21. Repeat step 5-9 for 3 times
22. Add 2g more corn starch into water tray exactly like step 14-16 (current total: 4g)
23. Repeat step 18-20
24. Add 2g more corn starch into water tray exactly like step 14-16 (current total: 6g)
25. Repeat step 18-20
26. Add more corn starch into water tray exactly like step 14-16 (current total: 8g)
27. Repeat step 18-20
28. Add more corn starch into water tray exactly like step 14-16 (current total: 10g)
29. Repeat step 18-20

Method for Logger Pro (data analysis):

1. Transfer recordings from camera/phone to computer
2. Open Logger Pro
3. On the very top of the screen, go to Insert, then Movie
4. Search for the recordings, select and press Open
5. On the bottom right of the video, click the button with 3 red dots and a right arrow( )
th
6. On the side bar, click the yellow horizontal ruler (4 button from top to bottom)
7. Play the video and pause at the frame right after the marble hits the water
8. Hold, drag and release from one end of the tray to the other and make sure the line is parallel to
the longer side of the tray
9. Enter 40 in the distance box and enter cm in the units box
10. Press OK
11. Click the 3rd button from top to bottom of the side bar
12. Click on the centre of the falling marble so that the axis will intersect there
13. Drag the yellow point so that it is in the negative value of the y-axis
14. Click the second button on the sidebar (with a red dot surrounded by 4 straight lines)
15. Click on the crest of a wave/ripple that lies on the origin
 16. The clip will automatically bounce to the second frame. Click on the same wave crest along the x-
axis
17. Click on the same wave crest along the x-axis
18. Repeat until wave hits the edge of the tray, or disappears
19. Minimise the video or delete it using backspace or delete on keyboard
20. Click on the Curve fit button on the top bar of the window (3rd from right to left)
21. Click Try fit
22. Click Ok

Results and data

Trial 1 (cm/s) Trial 2 (cm/s) Trial 3 (cm/s) Average (cm/s)
0g (14.15-(- (15.39-(-0.054))/(6.17- (12.71-(- (30.304+30.888+31.171)/3
0.002))/(4.302-3.835) 5.67) = 30.888 0.07))/(6.71-6.3) = = 30.7877
= 30.304cm/s 31.171
2g (13.65-0.583)/(6.037- (11.32-0.047)/(10.81- (12.88- (30.108+27.495+27.203)/3
5.603) = 30.108cm/s 10.4) = 27.495 0.176)/(6.037-5.57) = 28.2687
= 27.203
4g (8.065-0.112)/(5.67- (8.338-0.119)/(4.268- (8.225- (26.510+25.446+27.11)/3
5.37) = 26.51 3.945) = 25.446 0.092)/(3.702- = 26.3553
3.402) = 27.11
6g (4.359-0.122)/(4.770- (6.139-0.014)/(3.968- (5.763- (25.371+23.026+26.78)/3
4.603) = 25.371 3.702) = 23.026 0.059)/(5.516- = 25.059
5.303) = 26.78
8g (6.708-0.313)/(3.902- (5.994-0.048)/(4.235- (7.553-0.04)/(6.03- (21.317+25.519+25.642)/3
3.602) = 21.317 4.002) = 25.519 5.737) = 25.642 = 24.1593
10g (4.206-0.134)/(3.902- (5.567-0.19)/(4.93- (4.459- (20.36+20.681+23.818)/3
3.702) = 20.36 4.67) = 20.681 0.005)/(4.957-4.77) = 21.6197
= 23.818

Observations:
When conducting the experiment, I noticed that the mixture becomes more cloudy as more corn starch is
added. Also, as I increase the mass of corn starch added to the water, the waves seem to disappear/end
quicker than when there is nothing added. Although the difference between the highest and lowest
average velocity is almost 10cm/s (30.7877cm/s and 21.6197cm/s) the waves were moving at a high speed
such that it is not possible for the human eye to witness any difference.

Graph

Left: An example of a graph from logger pro with a best fit line and two manual best fit lines
Right: A graph of the average velocity
Conclusion:
My results supported my hypothesis. The more corn starch I add into the water, the lower the velocity of
the waves will be. Ranking from highest to lowest velocity: 0g, 2g, 4g, 6g, 8g, 10g. When the experiment
was conducted with pure tap water, the average velocity of waves was 30.7877 cm/s. When 4g of corn
starch was added, the average velocity of waves was 26.3553. When 10g of corn starch was added, the
average velocity of waves was 21.6197. This clearly justifies my assumption of the relationship between
velocity and waves.

Discussion/Explanation of results:
The reason behind the results is the direct relationship between velocity and density. From the equation

= , we can see that an increase of velocity will result in a decrease of velocity. The result has not
been affected by any other factors. I have ensured that my experiment will be fair and square by listing out
the controlled variables such as the drop height, angle of camera, temperature Therefore, the change of
velocity can only be explained by its relationship with density.

Validity of hypothesis
Although my results match my hypothesis, there are some things that might make my result not accurate.
For example, in 6g, there was a difference of 3.754cm/s. Also, when I was plotting dots on Logger Pro using
the video analysis function, I noticed that some points were further away than others. For example, in the
first trial with 0g, the data shows that at one point waves travelled at speeds of 35cm/s, in contrary to the
velocity of 30.304cm/s in my results table. This could be caused by the blurriness of the wave crest in the
video, which resulted in an inaccurate plot (also affected by the reflection of the lamp). Next time, I will not
put lamps close to my water tray to avoid any reflection. Despite the differences, when I compared my
results to that of my classmate, Philip, who was investigating how dropping a coin into water with different
masses of salt will affect the velocity of waves. We both had similar trends with meant that my results are
reliable.

Validity of method:
I think that my method was very appropriate for an experiment to identify how adding corn starch (altering
density) to water will affect the velocity of waves. I have clearly described the procedure to perform the
experiment and listed out all required materials. Also, there is only one independent variable in my
method (I only changed one thing), which meant that my investigation will not be affected by any other
external factors. My method is split into two parts, the practical part and the analysis part. In the first part,
I performed all necessary actions to acquire my raw data. I basically recorded myself dropping marbles into
the water tray. This was extremely essential because without this, I would have no data to analyse and
hence, draw a conclusion to my hypothesis. The second part was also very important. My investigation
question says that I will have to find the velocity of waves. Without the data analysis part, I would not be
able to find the velocity and answer my investigation question.
 Problems
Camera was not stabilised when
recording the experiment
Corn starch was stuck in the
beaker
Did not dry marble after each
trial
Camera was tilted when using the
scale function on Logger Pro
Effects
I was not able to collect accurate
data because my camera was
often shaky and tilted at an angle
such that the computer thinks that
the wave is picking up speed
when moving outwards.
This meant that less than 2g of
corn starch was added to the
water. This was one of the
controlled variables because the
amount of corn starch added
would affect the density of the
water, which would affect the
velocity of the waves.
Some additional ripples were
created when the marble hit the
water surface. When I analysed
the video using Logger Pro, I
noticed that there were waves
going the opposite direction,
which were caused by the wet
marble.
When I analysed the video on
Logger Pro, I created a scale for
the software to calculate the
velocity of the waves. However,
since my camera is not a perfect
bird-eye view, there is a high
chance that my scale is
inaccurate.
Suggestions
If I could do this again, I would
use a tripod to hold my camera.
Although it is quite dangerous to
leave a tripod on top of the water
tray, it is definitely a better
solution than asking a partner to
hold the camera because no
human can possibly hold the
camera as still as a statue.
Next time, I will use a spoon to
scope corn starch and dip the
entire spoon into water to make
sure everything is added to the
mixture.
I will dry the marble with towel
after each trial to make sure that
no additional/unnecessary ripples
will be created. Also, I will dry
my hands to prevent the same
thing from happening.
I would use a tripod to hold my
camera. Although it is quite
dangerous to leave a tripod on top
of the water tray, it is definitely a
better solution than asking a
partner to hold the camera
because no human can possibly
hold the camera as still as a
statue.

Extension:
During this experiment, there was a constant change in the temperature of the water. This could be
affected by the lamp, water baths used by other students in the lab, as well as the unstable air
conditioning in the lab (the door to the garden was not always closed). One possible extension to this
experiment could be changing the temperature of the water. This experiment could also be extended so
that it is performed in the Arctic and tropical Islands near the equator to have a realistic environment for
the water/waves.
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