Activity Overview
Purpose: You will collect and analyze data on a model of the perspiration process.
Before the Activity
Background: You know that when you get hot you perspire. This is your body's way of maintaining normal body temperature. But how effective is perspiring in doing this
During the Activity
Directions:
Gather apparatus.
Place the test tube rack on a paper towel. Prepare your test tubes by wrapping each one with a strip of newspaper. Use two rubber bands to hold the paper on the test tubes.
Fill both test tubes with hot water. Do not spill any on the newspaper.
Place one thermometer in each test tube. Start Data Mate if it is not already running.
Select from the Main screen, and then select New to reset the application.
Select from the Main screen, then select Time Graph
Select on the Time Graph Settings screen.
Enter 1 as the time between samples in minutes and select.
Enter 12 as the number of samples and select Select to return to the Main screen.Record the starting temperature for each test tube using DataMate. One (1) test tube will become the wet test tube and one (1) will remain dry (simulating a perspiring person).
Use the micropipette to quickly wet the newspaper of one(1) of the test tubes with hot water. The newspaper on the test tube should be completely saturated.
Measure and record the water temperature in each test tube at intervals of one minute for the next twelve (12) minutes.
Analyze your results.
Answer questions 3-9.
After the Activity
1. Record your data in the data table below.
Purpose: You will collect and analyze data on a model of the perspiration process.
2. From your table, what was the temperature of the water at 6 minutes?
3. In the dry tube? ___________ In the wet tube? ____________
4. From your graph, what was the temperature of the water at 9 minutes?
5. In the dry tube? ___________ In the wet tube? ____________
6. Use your graph to predict what the temperature would be in the dry tube after 15 minutes.
7. Suggest an explanation for your prediction.
Describe and compare the cooling patterns in the test tubes.
8. Explain what causes the difference in water temperature between the water in the two tubes.
9. Using complete sentences, describe what comparison you could make between the effect of perspiration on the skin of the human body and the newspaper on the wet test tube. Relate your answer to body temperature control.