Discussion and Conclusion

Discussion:

Whilst conducting this experiment, the general trends and patterned occurring were observed and noted. As the aim of my experiment was to determine the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water, I individually tested and recorded the boiling temperature of water with no salt, one tablespoon of salt and two tablespoons of salt. The water with no salt added in it was found to boil at the expected temperature of 100°C all of the three times the experiment was performed. It was also found that as more salt was added to the boiling water, the highest temperature reading continuously increased. Also, just as the findings in the background research had shown, I observed that the water with the salt added did reach it's boiling point slower than the pure water without anything added.

The results from my experiment were recorded and presented in multiple tables and graphs. The results I obtained also included several observations that were made during the experiment. I chose this way to present the findings as it was convenient, simple to understand and view and because it matched the results that I had obtained.

In each of the first three tables, the individual results of each time the experiment was performed, was recorded. The last table was all the experiment results together as well as the averages. The table shows that when the water was boiled with no salt added, it was 100°C every time. It also shows that the average boiling temperature of water with the addition of one tablespoon of salt was 102.5°C and the average of two tablespoons of salt was 105°C.

After the results were all recorded and placed appropriately in the tables, I then created two column graphs which showed easy comparison of each experiment and the averages. For the first graph, the results from all three repetitions of the experiment was displayed to show the similar results obtained each time. The second graph shows the averages of the temperature with each change in the independent variable. The boiling temperature of the water with no salt added was used as my control throughout the experiment, which was what I compared the increased temperature with. The graphs show a clear comparison of the increase in temperature with the increased amount of salt added.

The results I obtained are supported by my background research. As found in the research findings, the boiling temperature of water did increase with the added salt. This result also supports my hypothesis, which is: “The larger the amount of salt added, the higher the boiling temperature of water.” Through my research, I also found a similar experiment previously performed and it showed similar results which overall, further supports my results.

A lot was taken into consideration to ensure that the reliability, validity and accuracy of my experiment was addressed to the best of my ability. To ensure that my experiment was reliable, I repeated the experiment another two times so that it was conducted a total of three times. My experiment was quite reliable as the results were consistent with each other and there was no outlier result that was completely different from the rest.

Validity was addressed through the controlling of the variables. For validity, or the fairness of the experiment, it was important to keep things constant and only change the independent variable which, in my case, was the amount of salt added. All the other factors that could affect the experiment in any way, such as the environmental conditions and the brand of salt, were kept the same. Validity is also checked by whether or not the experiment method answered the aim. In my investigation, the results obtained do in fact answer the aim of the experiment.

Regarding the accuracy of the experiment, I'd say it was quite accurate as it corresponds to other resources and previous experiments of the same nature. Great care was also taken to make sure that it was as accurate as possible. This includes the use of several measuring devices to make sure everything was the same and making sure that the thermometer was read at eye level to prevent any misinterpretations of the results.

Even though my experiment turned out to be successful, there were still several weaknesses with the investigation, a few errors made in the progress and a lot of things that could be improved. For instance, one of the main weaknesses with my experiment was that as the experiment was conducted in my own home, there were various limitations regarding the arrangement. With the lack of proper scientific equipment and materials, the setup of the equipment was not as ideal as it would be if it was done at a science laboratory or with its equipment. Using proper equipment would not only help in its setup but it would also decrease the likelihood of safety hazards or accidents occurring as clamps and retort stands could be used to hold the heating thermometer.

The prominent error made during the execution of the experiment was regarding the interaction between the heating metal of the cooking pot and the thermometer. As stated previously, many of the proper equipment needed was not available during the conduction of this experiment, leaving me to hold the thermometer whilst measuring the temperature. It was necessary for the thermometer to not come in contact with the cooking pot but at times it would accidentally touch the bottom of the cooking pot. This error slightly affects the results of the experiment but could easily be avoided with the use of scientific equipment.

An improvement that could be implemented in this experiment would be to test it with more amounts of salt instead of just a maximum of two tablespoons. This would help show whether it would continue increasing in temperature with the more salt added or if it would stop at a certain temperature. Alternatively, to improve this experiment, larger amounts of water could be used to see whether the hypothesis is true with large masses of water as well. It would help prove the accuracy and reliability of the experiment and it would be beneficial to see whether or not the results are consistent and the theory would apply the same way. Also to help enhance this experiment, the time taken for the water to reach it's boiling point could also be tested as it relates to the aim if you slightly modify it, so that it is: to determine the effect of salt on the boiling point of water.

Regarding the presentation of the experiment and results, the tables and graphs could also be displayed in a better way. Images and diagrams should also be included the next time this experiment is performed and the graphs could be drawn in a way where the axis break isn't necessary.

To conclude, the general trends and patterns I observed were what I expected them to be due to the information from the background research I had found. The boiling temperature did increase with the increase of added salt and the graphs and tables created clearly show this. Although this experiment was as valid, reliable and accurate as I could make it, there were still improvements that could be made. Overall, the experiment turned out well, the purpose was attended to and I'm happy with the results.

Conclusion:

From this experiment, through measuring the water temperature, the effect of salt on the boiling temperature of water was determined. It was found that the water with no salt added, boiled at an average of 100°C, whereas the average boiling temperature of the water with one tablespoon and two tablespoons of salt rose up to 102.5°C and 105°C, respectively. The results obtained from this experiment, further supported by the background research collected, confirm that salt does increase the boiling temperature of water. These findings are of relevance to chefs and cooks as it may affect their job and the way they choose to cook certain foods. Knowledge on this subject may also save them valuable time and effort. Therefore, as a result of the findings of the investigation, we can deduce that the hypothesis stating that 'the boiling temperature of the water will increase with the increasing the amounts of salt added' is supported and is proven to be correct.