Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Bouancy (please read)

["Paul Suds" <paul_suds@hotmail.com>]

Hi Katie, Good question, but you may want to look at another project. Using 
scientific method, you need a problem or question, form a  hypothesis, 
predict the outcome of the hypothesis if it is true, and then perform 
experiments to test whether your predictions are supported. Finally, you 
develop a theory based on all your findings. unfortunatelly, I see some 
problems with your project. Due to the nulling effect of bouyancy, drag, 
friction, and surface tension, you would have a hard time determining which 
would be the faster media, even with sofisticated equipment in a laboratory 
environment. You asked whether we could steer you in another direction, and 
i don't want to diswade you from this project just because it would be 
difficult to prove your hypothesis one way or another. Sometimes, We learn 
more from failures than we do from successes. Anyway, if you wanted to limit 
the number of variable down to one, you may want to determine whether a 
submersible is faster in salt water or fresh water. You wouldn't have to be 
so concerned about bouyancy,surface temperature, additional wind loading due 
to added surface area, etc, etc. You may be able to over salienate a fish 
tank with salt and show that there is added resistance due to the increased 
density. It would probably be easier to prove. Again, just a suggestion to 
get your  gray matter (brain) working. Oh, and whatever you decide, keep us 
appraised of the project. We have a lot of dense people on here, and I bet 
they move slower, and they tend to be salty (my hypothesis). I'm certainly 
one of them, ha. Good scientist have a sense of humor and much humility. 
Good luck...Suds
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