Thursday, August 19, 2010

Science Fair: Germinating Radiated Seeds

Question being addressed: Is the germination and growth of radish seeds affected by electromagnetic fields?
Hypothesis: If I expose radish seeds to different densities of electromagnetic radiation, then I expect those most exposed to die sooner, or not germinate at all, because radiation of unnatural amounts can rearrange and damage molecules and alter metabolism. A process of a chain-like manner will alter the organism’s electrical stability and effect cell polarization. The resulting disagreement within the cell may eventually lead to molecular changes in the cell, and the flow of substances in and out of them.
Problem: How is the germination rate and growth of radish seeds affected by electromagnetic fields as produced by a television?
Engineering goals: I plan on setting up a table or something of the sort around my television, and then setting up seeds different distances from the television along the table.
Description: I plan to arrange the above mentioned table appropriately, and lay out radish seeds on this table in different lengths from the source of electromagnetism; in this case a television. I will also set up some seeds to grow away from the source of electromagnetic fields, in a more natural, controlled environment. The method in which I will be germinating these seeds, is by moistening them, and growing them on paper towels. I will determine which seeds germinate the fastest by checking them everyday. I will determine which plants grow the largest over a period of time, by checking their mass each day using a scale. I intend to perform a number of trials to ensure the accuracy of my results.

Other posts on germinating radiated seeds:

Abstract for Science Fair: Germinating Radiated Seeds
The Research Paper: Grand Summary
Materials for Science Fair: Germinating Radiated Seeds
Science Fair: Germinating Radiated Seeds
Hypothesis for Science Fair: Germinating Radiated Seeds
Plan for Science Fair Project: Germinating Radiated Seeds
Procedure for Science Fair: Germinating Radiated Seeds
Procedure for Germinating Radiated Seeds... An Experiment
More of tracking progress in germinating radiated seeds
More of tracking progress in germinating radiated seeds - 3
Some History on the Experiment
A Conclusion to my Experiment about Germinating Radiated Seeds
Works Cited List for Science Fair Project: Germinating Radiated Seeds
Works Cited List for Science
Works Cited List for Science Fair: Germinating Radiated Seeds

Bibliography:
“Electromagnetic Radiation.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 15th ed.
Rojansky, Vladimir. Electromagnetic Fields and Waves. Mineola, Ny: Dover, 1979.
Corson, Dale and Lorrain, Paul. Introduction to Electromagnetic Fields and Waves. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman and Company, 1962.

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