Hobbies And Interests
Heat and Wind
Heat and wind are large environmental factors that influence evaporation. A simple experiment can tell you which element works the fastest at causing evaporation. Set up a hot lamp and a fan for the experiment. Fill two glass containers with the same amount of water. Place a container under the lamp and in front of the fan. Leave both containers in place for a set amount of time and determine which one loses the most water in that time.
Oil Evaporation
Outside elements can speed or slow the rate at which water evaporates. Oil is one factor that can affect the rate of water evaporation. Set up the experiment by setting two glass containers side by side. Fill them with an equal amount of water. Add a measured amount of cooking oil to one container (just enough to coat the top of the container). Time the experiment to see which container loses water faster or if the two containers lose the water at a consistent rate.
Evaporation Rate in Material
Different materials release evaporation faster than others do. Set up an experiment to see which fabric swatches dry the fastest. Cut your fabric selections into equal-sized squares. Set them in identical glass dishes. Get a timer ready to record the time it takes for the fabric to dry. Pour equal amounts of liquid over every fabric swatch at the same time. Check the fabrics regularly to determine which one dries first and which dries last.
Surface Area Evaporation
Different containers hold water longer than others do even if they hold the same amount of liquid. As it evaporates, water only has one route of escape in a container. The smaller the route of escape, the slower it will evaporate. Measure the rate by filling two containers of different shapes with the same amount of water. Leave them alone for a set amount of time and determine which container stunted the process of evaporation more effectively.