Annex A-Research Proposal

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE

INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS IN SCIENCE

Names: Rikesh Kumar Tiwari, Pyae Phyo Aung @ Elvis Kason Lin, Lai Yong Rong,

Wong Wei Cheng, Andres

Class: S2-05

Group Reference: D

1.    Indicate the type of research that you are adopting:

[ ] Test a hypothesis: Hypothesis-driven research

e.g. Investigation of the anti-bacteria effect of chrysanthemum

[ ] Measure a value: Experimental research (I)

e.g. Determination of the mass of Jupiter using planetary photography

[ ] Measure a function or relationship: Experimental research (II)

e.g. Investigation of the effect of temperature on the growth of crystals

[ ] Construct a model: Theoretical sciences and applied mathematics

e.g. Modeling of the cooling curve of naphthalene

[  X ] Observational and exploratory research

e.g. Investigation of the soil quality in School of Science and Technology, Singapore  

[ ] Improve a product or process: Industrial and applied research

e.g. Development of a SMART and GREEN energy system for households

2.    Write a research proposal of your interested topic in the following format:

Title: Investigation of the lifespan of various brands of AAA battery after multiple charging using an Alkaline battery charger.

A. Question being addressed

We want to investigate the lifespan of AAA Duracell Batteries, AAA Panasonic Batteries, AAA Energizer Batteries and AAA Sony Batteries after multiple charging using an Alkaline Battery Charger.

Alkaline batteries can be kept for a long time without self discharge and it does not suffer from the memory effect like rechargeable batteries do. Alkaline batteries can be recharged if you use the suitable equipment for the job making them now on par with rechargeable batteries.

For example, when alkaline battery and rechargeable batteries are both being placed in a small torch, they both are equally as bright and last about the same duration but however, on the other hand, when they were place into high power devices such as wireless headphones, the alkaline battery lasted for only 8 hours as compared to the ni-md rechargeable batteries that lasted for 15-20 hours.

Big companies producing batteries for consumers have for years been advertising how good their brand is compared to other brands in terms of battery life and durability. Some also claim that these normal alkaline batteries are so much more cost efficient than their counterparts, the rechargeable batteries. That, may be so, since alkaline batteries are cheaper to produce. So since they are cheaper, which brand is the best to use? The eight triple A batteries costing two dollars or a similar one costing five dollars?

We aim to find all these out by carrying out this experiment between four different well known brands. Sony, Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic on how long they last over time, after being fully discharged then recharged.

The independent variable is the AAA Sony, Duracell, Energizer, and Panasonic Batteries

The dependent variable is the amount of time the battery lasts after being fully charged by the charger.

The constant is the Battery Voltage, Motor, and Battery Charger.

B. Hypotheses

Sony brand of battery is the most effective, in terms of the amount of time it lasts after being fully charged.

C. Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that should be included when formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)

No.	Equipment	Quantity
1.	Wires	30
2.	AAA Duracell Batteries	12
3.	AAA Panasonic Batteries	12
4.	AAA Energizer Batteries	12
5.	AAA Sony Batteries	12
6.	Vernier Labquest	1
7.	Voltage Sensor	1
8.	Alkaline Battery Chargers	1

• Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection

1.    Set up the experiment and make sure all items are present.

2.    Setup a circuit as shown in the diagram below.

3.    Turn on the circuit, and the motor in the circuit.

4.   Repeat step 3 until all batteries in the experiment are all fully drained.

5.   Check if all batteries are all fully drained.

6.    If so, set up the alkaline battery chargers and fully charge all the batteries.

7.    Once done, set up the datalogger and the voltage sensor attaching it to the circuit as shown in the diagram below.

8.    Drain the batteries one by one and log it into the vernier labquest.

9.    Once the batteries are done, repeat step 1 to step 8 again until you get 5 graphs for the different brands of batteries.

10. Analyse the data and also remember to log the data. You have successfully finished your experiment, now move on to making a report.

• Risk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions to be taken.

1.   As this experiment involves circuits, exercise caution when carrying out work. For example, keep the circuit away from all water sources, and be very careful when operating the respective items.

2.   As the experiment involves battery charging, beware of possible battery explosion should a battery overload, by keeping a close eye and take out the battery after the battery is fully charged.

3.   There could be possible electrocution. Hence, for prevention, keep water away and make sure circuits are open when unattended, and to make sure to turn off the circuits before adjusting the circuit

• Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results that answer research questions or hypotheses

1.    Log the data.

2.    Plot a graph of the time over the voltage of the battery.

3.    From the graph, we can find out the lifespans of the batteries. (The aim)