Karri Weathers
Grade Level: 3rd to 8th; Type: Physics
Objective:
This project investigates the relationship between strength and one, two, and three-ply toilet paper.
Research Questions:
- How does the ply-number of toilet paper correlate to its strength?
- Is there a great difference in the strength of 1-ply and 3-ply toilet paper?
Toilet paper with more layers, or ply, is more expensive. Is the cost really worth the difference when it comes to the strength of the toilet paper?
Materials:
- 1, 2, & 3-ply toilet paper
- Water
- Dropper
- Pennies
- Soup can
- Rubber band
Experimental Procedure:
- Roll out three sections of each type of toilet paper.
- Observe the paper’s thickness, softness, and texture.
- Position the 1-ply piece so that the middle section is covering the top of the can. The perforated lines and the other 2 sections should be on each side of the can.
- Place the rubber band around the can to hold the paper in place.
- Use the dropper to wet the middle of the bridged section of paper with 0.6 mL of water.
- Begin placing pennies on the dampened section one at a time.
- Continue placing the pennies until the paper breaks and the pennies fall into the can.
- Record your data.
- Repeat the experiment using the 2-ply and 3-ply paper.
- Analyze your data. Which ply of toilet paper held the most pennies before breaking? How does the number of pennies held correlate to the strength of the paper? Is there a relationship between the ply number and the strength? Do you think the texture of the paper affects the strength?
Terms/Concepts: strength, ply
Reference: http://www.umd.umich.edu/sep/students/nmanley/nmanley_exp.html
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Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state’s handbook of Science Safety.
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