Replicating The Miller-Urey Experiment in High School

[frzfire129]

For this year's science fair, I was thinking of replicating the Miller-Urey experiment, using a mixture of gases found on other planets, to determine which one has the most life potential.
The problem is getting started.
I would really appreciate some help on materials, methods, and building the tube system.
Low-cost is definitely important but I might have access to a lab.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jim mcnamara]

This is a simple version of the experiment. You will need to go to a welding supply store and to a medical supply place to get some of the gases. Liquified gas cannisters are potentially disastrous if mishandled - probably why this experiment is not going to happen in a HS classroom :) Get help with setting up the gas lines. You may have to rent some gas gauges and regulators.

http://www.zampbioworld.org/zampwiki/?t=Miller-Urey_experiment

 

[quicknote]

I think it's great that you are interested in replicating the Miller-Urey experiment for your science fair project. This experiment is a classic and has been replicated many times over the years, so there is a lot of information and resources available to help you get started.

Firstly, it's important to note that the original Miller-Urey experiment was conducted using a mixture of gases found on early Earth, not other planets. However, there have been variations of the experiment that use different gas mixtures, including those found on other planets. So, your idea to use a mixture of gases found on other planets is definitely valid and interesting.

In terms of materials, the key components you will need are a glass chamber or flask, a source of heat, and a spark or electrical discharge. You can use a Bunsen burner or hot plate for heat and a high-voltage power supply for the spark. The gases you will need can be purchased from a scientific supply company or you may be able to access them in a lab.

As for building the tube system, you can use a simple glass tube with two openings, one for the gas mixture and one for the spark. You can also use a more complex setup with multiple chambers and condensers, but this may be more expensive and difficult to build.

If you have access to a lab, I would recommend seeking guidance from a teacher or lab technician. They can help you with the setup and ensure that you are following proper safety protocols. It's also a good idea to do a test run of the experiment before the science fair to troubleshoot any issues and make any necessary adjustments.

In terms of cost, it's possible to do this experiment on a low budget, but it may require some creativity and resourcefulness. You can also look into any grants or funding opportunities that may be available for science fair projects.

Overall, I think your idea to replicate the Miller-Urey experiment using a mixture of gases found on other planets is a great one. With the right materials, methods, and guidance, you can definitely conduct a successful and informative experiment. Good luck with your project!