Science Fair ProjectDoes moisture effect burn of wood?

Chemistry

Jimmy Moore

Statement of the Problem

Will moisture affect how long wood burns compared to dry wood?

Project Overview

I will take one log, chop it into six different logs, pour water on three of the six logs, and

set them o

Research

Research showed that dry wood burns longer than wet wood Water puts out fire

The larger the wood the longer it burns

Variables

Independent variable: The one variable that you purposely change and test. Dependent variable: The measure of change observed because of the independent

variable. It is important to decide how you are going to measure the change. (Operational Definition)

Constant variables: These are the things that are kept the same throughout your experiments.

Control group: This is the group used to compare with the independent variable. State why the CG makes logical sense for the experiment by giving a reason for the

selection.  

Hypothesis Based on the research you have done, you will be writing an answer or

solution – your best educated guess – to your question. Make sure you write down your hypothesis before you begin your experiment.

 

Materials

Six pieces of a log Half a liter of water An area to burn in Matches or lighter Stopwatch Fire starter

Procedure

1. Cut wood to make smaller shape

2. Gather materials needed

3. Pour water on three of the pieces of wood

4. Pour rubbing alcohol on both for a fire starter

5. Put on fire resistant gloves

6. Start fire on one log

7. Start stopwatch

8. Repeat steps six and seven

9. Record average time

Photos

No photos

Data/Observations (Analyzes)

    Wet Wood Dry Wood

Number of logs 1 4:30 11:47

  2 4:27 11:32

  3 4:19 11:29

    Time  

Conclusion

My conclusion shows that my hypothesis was correct. The dry wood did indeed burn a whole five minutes longer than the wet wood. The piece of wood burned longer with the dry

wood than with the wet wood.

Possible Experimental Errors

Some experimental errors could be that the area is different as the logs burn at different times.

If I don’t put the exact same amount of water on logs

The size of logs

Applications and Recommendations

Pour the exact same amounts of water on each log.

Make the logs the exact same size Make larger logs

Works Cited

"Best Burning Wood Firewood." Master Sweep Chimney Service. Web. 14 May 2011. <http://www.mastersweep.com/wood.htm>.

"Dry Wood - Why Is It Important? - Custom Fireplaces & More." Your Complete Fireplace and Stove Gallery - Custom Fireplaces & More. Web. 14 May 2011. <http://www.customfireplacesandmore.com/hearth-articles/dry-

wood.html>. "Wood Burning Basics." Your Portal to the Post-Petroleum, Climate

Moderating Future. Web. 14 May 2011. <http://www.i4at.org/surv/woodburn.htm>.