Science Fair Project: Diffusing Water Through a Magnet

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a science fair project involving the diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane, with the hypothesis that a negatively charged magnet will filter out negative solute molecules. Participants highlight the impossibility of creating a perpetual motion machine, as energy loss occurs through heat and sound. The project also raises questions about the nature of solutes and the effects of using materials like ferrofluid and bismuth in the experiment. Suggestions for improvement include providing visual aids to clarify the experimental setup.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of selectively permeable membranes
  • Knowledge of diffusion principles
  • Familiarity with electrostatics, specifically charged particles
  • Basic concepts of energy conservation and entropy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of selectively permeable membranes
  • Explore the principles of diffusion and osmosis in liquids
  • Investigate the behavior of ferrofluids in magnetic fields
  • Study the thermodynamics of energy loss in mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting science experiments, educators teaching principles of physics and chemistry, and anyone interested in the intersection of magnetism and fluid dynamics.

mfeneley
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Two containers are connected, divided by a selectively permeable membrane. The continer on the left contains pure water. The container on the right contains water and a negatively charged solute. The container on the right is angeled vertically so that when the water diffuses across the membrane the water level will rise. At the top of the container is a magnet which is also negatively charged. I am predicting that the magnet will filter the negative molecule out of the water as it rises. However, I suspect their will be an issue concerning entropy. Anyway, if all goes to plan the water that was purified by the magnet will leave the container through a spillway. The kinetic energy from the falling water will be harnesed by a wheel. After the energy is harnesed the water is redirected back into the the container with the pure water. Hypothetically this creates a constant flow of energy which is impossible. Whats wrong with this? Please critique and give some ideas on how to improve the experiment. My written explanation may be hard to understand and I am going to try and insert a picture to help.
 
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mfeneley said:
Two containers are connected, divided by a selectively permeable membrane. The continer on the left contains pure water. The container on the right contains water and a negatively charged solute. The container on the right is angeled vertically so that when the water diffuses across the membrane the water level will rise. At the top of the container is a magnet which is also negatively charged. I am predicting that the magnet will filter the negative molecule out of the water as it rises. However, I suspect their will be an issue concerning entropy. Anyway, if all goes to plan the water that was purified by the magnet will leave the container through a spillway. The kinetic energy from the falling water will be harnesed by a wheel. After the energy is harnesed the water is redirected back into the the container with the pure water. Hypothetically this creates a constant flow of energy which is impossible. Whats wrong with this? Please critique and give some ideas on how to improve the experiment. My written explanation may be hard to understand and I am going to try and insert a picture to help.

As you suspect, it is not possible for the perpetual motion machine to run. Yes, if you could post a sketch, that would help us point out the problem.
 
A picture would help. Also, you said a negatively charged magnet will filter out the negative molecules. Did you mean a positive magnet?
 
What is a "negatively charged solute"?

--
 
How do I put a picture up?
 
mfeneley said:
How do I put a picture up?

If you have a picture on Photoshack or other hosting website, you can link to it here. Or you can attach PDF or JPG files in the Reply dialog page.
 
Quick question before I put my picture up. Is ferrofluid repelled by a magnet? If it is can it be mixed in water?
 
Forget that. Would water combined with solid bismouth cause pure water to pass through a selectively permeable membrane.
 
But energy is loss in the form of heat and sound. So no it won't create a constant flow.
 

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