Practical Write up
Title: Extraction of fibre’s from celery
Aim: To investigate whether a change in weight upon a fibre of celery will affect the extension and whether it breaks.
Hypothesis: I predict that an increase in weight will have an impact on the strength of the fibre. This is due to the greater force being applied to the fibre and it not being able to withstand the weight.
Null hypothesis: An increase in weight will not have an impact on the extension or the breaking of the fibre.
Method:
Firstly, taking a stick of celery, separate a single fibre from the plant. Then, using a venires calibre (a piece of equipment that allows for small measurements) measure the diameter of the fibre. This piece of equipment allows for accuracy and makes the results more reliable. Next, using a ruler, measure the length, making sure each fibre is 8cm long in order for the test to be fair. Tie the fibre of celery around a clamp on one end, and do the same on the other, so that a loop shape is formed. This allows for the weights to be hung from the celery fibre in order to measure the extension and whether it breaks. Before adding any weights, measure the original length of both sides of the fibre, in order for a comparison to be made. Next, add 10 Newton’s of weight at a time. Firstly adding ten, and recording the change in extension, then 20 Newton’s etc until the fibre breaks. This will show just how strong, or weak, the fibre is and under how much weight it can withstand.
