Science Fair Project - Topic - What color will be absorbed fastest by celery. I have been assuming that the color with the smallest molecule would be absorbed fastest but I can't find any reference material on the size of color molecules. Any ideas how to research.
Isn't dye movement caused by osmosis? Isn't osmosis dependent on osmotic pressure, which is solely dependent on concentration, not solute size?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmosis
So this prediction is that you are wrong. However, I would continue with your investigation, sometime known facts are wrong. I am wondering how you will verify all your dyes are at the same concentration.
When you say 'absorbed by celery' do you mean transported with the water transport in the stem to give the colour in the leaves? Xylem vessels are visible under an optical microscope so must have a diameter that is hundreds of molecules wide. Perhaps worth researching the diameter?
As for the size of the colour molecules the easiest way to do this is to make a molecular model and measure it! Also for a science fair the models have a strong visual impact so you could demonstrate the size difference.
For example Amaranth (a red dye) the molecular structure is on wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_dye_number_2
To research the size of color molecules, you can follow these steps:
1. Start with a background search: Look for general information on pigments and how they contribute to the color of various objects, including plants. Understanding the basics will provide you with a foundation for your project.
2. Check scientific databases: Online scientific databases, such as Google Scholar or PubMed, are excellent resources for finding research articles on a specific topic. Use keywords like "plant pigments," "color absorption in plants," or "plant color molecules" to search for relevant studies.
3. Review scientific studies: Once you have access to research articles, read through them to find information on the size of color molecules. Look for studies that explore the absorption rates of different colors by plants or contain information on the molecular structure of plant pigments.
4. Consult books or scientific textbooks: Visit your local library or browse online resources to find books or scientific textbooks that discuss plant pigments and their molecular structure. Check the index or table of contents for relevant chapters or sections.
5. Reach out to experts: If you have access to experts in the field, such as science teachers, professors, or even researchers, consider reaching out to them for guidance. They may be able to provide you with valuable insights or direct you to additional resources.
6. Conduct experiments: If you can't find specific information on the size of color molecules, you can design experiments to investigate your hypothesis. For example, you could extract pigments from different colored vegetables, including celery, using solvents like water or alcohol. Then, measure the absorption rates of different colors by exposing the celery to them and monitoring the changes over time.
Remember, it is essential to document each step of your research process for your science fair project. Good luck with your investigation!