Exploring the Physics of Water and Pollutant Compounds on Pea Plant Production

[zaga04]

Homework Statement

So in my school, the three AP science concentrations (Bio, Chem and Physics) are teaming together in groups to answer a question about water and it's relationship to life. So our team is doing this question: By changing the ratio between distilled water and the pollutant compounds of H2SO4, HNO3, and HCl, how would it affect the transportation and absorption rates, studied on a pea plant, ultimately affecting the amount of pea production such as the size and number of seeds.

The problem we're having is what can we calculate with physics? Can you give me some ideas that are not ridiculously hard to calculate. Like the Chem and Bio areas are obvious in the question, but the Physics is a little more embedded. Thanks

 

[jbsteele]

! Homework Equations N/A The Attempt at a SolutionSince this problem involves water, one idea is to calculate the hydrogen bonding of the molecules in the mixture. This would involve calculating the dipole moments of the molecules and their interactions with each other. Additionally, you could look at the electrical properties of the solution, such as the conductivity, by calculating the molar conductivity. These are just two ideas, but there are many more that could be explored to relate the physics of the situation to the effects on the pea plants.

 

[kerimek]

I would suggest approaching this question by considering the physical properties of water and how they may be affected by the pollutant compounds. For example, you could investigate how the addition of these compounds changes the surface tension or viscosity of water, which could impact the transportation and absorption rates in the pea plant. Additionally, you could explore how the pollutants affect the pH and conductivity of water, which could also have an impact on the plant's ability to absorb nutrients. These physical properties can be measured and quantified using simple experiments or calculations, without being overly complex. I would also recommend consulting with your physics teacher or conducting some research to identify other relevant physical principles that could be applied to this question. Good luck with your project!