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Facts On File Science Experiments Physical Science Experiments Pamela Walker Elaine Wood Physical Science Experiments Text and artwork copyright © 2010 by Infobase Publishing Editor: Frank K. Darmstadt Copy Editor for A Good Thing, Inc.: Betsy Feist Project Coordination: Aaron Richman Art Director: Howard Petlack Production: Victoria Kessler Illustrations: Hadel Studios All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage, retrieval or distribution systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Facts On File, Inc. An imprint of Infobase Publishing 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER AND PUBLISHER GRANT PERMISSION FOR THE PHOTOCOPY REPRODUCTION OF THE TEXT AND ILLUSTRATIONS IN THIS WORK ONLY FOR NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL USE. THE TEXT AND ILLUSTRATIONS MAY NOT BE USED IN A PROFIT-MAKING VENTURE WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Walker, Pam, 1958Physical science experiments / Pamela Walker, Elaine Wood. p. cm.—(Facts on File science experiments) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-8160-7807-3 (hardcover) ISBN 978-1-4381-2908-2 (e-book) 1. Physical sciences–Experiments–Juvenile literature. 2. Physical sciences–Study and teaching (Middle school)–Activity programs. 3. Physical sciences–Study and teaching (Secondary)–Activity programs. I. Wood, Elaine, 1950- II. Title. Wood, Elaine, 1950- . Title. Q164.W23 2010 500.2078–dc22 2009023673 Facts On File books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at 212/967-8800 or 800/322-8755. You can find Facts On File on the World Wide Web at http://www.factsonfile.com Printed in the United States of America IBT AGT 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This book is printed on acid-free paper. Contents Preface.............................................................................................................. v Acknowledgments..........................................................................................ix Introduction.....................................................................................................xi Safety Precautions........................................................................................ xv 1. Accuracy of Labeling Vitamin C in Orange Juice..................................................1 2. Graphing a Pendulum Swing.............................................................................8 3. Metals in Electromagnets...............................................................................14 4. Effectiveness of Plastic Wrap in Preventing Evaporation....................................20 5. Which Fruits and Vegetables Make the Best Batteries?.....................................25 6. Do All Carbonated Beverages Go Flat at the Same Rate?..................................30 7. The Shape of an Ice Cube Affects Rate of Melting............................................36 8. The Relationship of Temperature to Viscosity...................................................42 9. Homemade Galvanometer..............................................................................48 10. Which Type of Food Contains the Most Energy?................................................54 11. The Heat Capacities of Zinc and Copper..........................................................61 12. How Does LED Brightness Vary With Current?..................................................68 13. Does Shape Affect a Ball’s Energy?.................................................................73 14. Which Materials Are the Best Sou