Group+4

Jeremy, Qingda, Conrad ** ===FINAL VIDEO [|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-y4PefmXFk] ===
 * Mythbusters & The Scientific Method

If a taser (an electroshock weapon used to disrupt voluntary muscle control) is discharged in water, will the electrical current and voltage have a magnified or reduced affect on the individual?
 * 1. Explain the myth that you wish to investigate: **

Since water is an excellent conductor it is highly probable that the DC voltage used will be amplified when an ideal path is created between the two electrodes and the “test subject”. Therefore, we believe that by being shot by a taser in water will be amplified and have a potentially fatal effect on the “test subject”.
 * 2. What is your prediction and why do you believe this? **

Ohm's Law – current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance - This will determine the amount of current passing through the object. If the resistance of the object is greater than the fluid it is in, the current will not go through the object. Oersted's Law – an electric field produces a magnetic field Faraday’s Law – a magnetic field produces an electric field Lenz’s Law – The direction of the induced current is in the opposite direction of the change in magnetic field - In a transformer, an electric field produces a magnetic field, which in turn creates an electric field. The resultant voltage depending on the number of coils there are around the magnet. Electrostatic induction – redistribution of electrical charges (in this case, from friction) - The Van De Graaff generator builds a strong electrostatic charge by rubbing two materials which are apart on the electrostatic series, causing electrons to be stripped from the material lower on the list.
 * 3. What are the main physics concepts you will be considering (e.g. Inertia, Newton's 3rd Law, conservation of Momentum, etc.) **

· Rubber protective gear (floor mat and gloves) · Amount of water used · “test subject’s” composition and mass Amount of salt dissolved (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) ** · Distance and placement of the electrodes · Amount of Voltage discharged (dependant on transformer, capacitor(s) and power source used)
 * 4.What are the variables that you will be measuring in your experiment? What are the controls in your experimental setup? **
 * Controls**
 * Variables:

Steps of the experiment: Wire Van de graaff generator up to capacitor Wire circuit to "test subject" The "test subject"is placed in water. Place calcium, potassium, and magnesium ions in water. Probe placed in "test subject" to measure voltage and current. Circiut is powered on. Voltage delivered to "test subject". Data collected. Repeated with different variables as listed above.
 * 5. Describe your experiment in point form **


 * 6. How do you think you will analyze and present your data (types of charts, graphs, pictures, etc.) **

Graphs of current vs voltage/resistance can be used to visualize the change in current as the voltage or resistance is changed.

COMMENTS:

An interesting project. You must perform this in a supervised environment. Display data in chart form. % variation calculation to determine reliability of the experiment. You really could do this with very low voltage (use a battery) and simply see if there is an increase in voltage with the variables described.and then extrapolate to human size. That would give you a more controlled environment.