Hypothesis #1

The ferrofluid will form bigger shapes and have more ridges when the strength of the magnet is increased.

We will test neodymium magnets.

Amanda and I will record the ferrofluid on video and observe the size of the shape the ferrofluid makes, the amount of ridges it has and the reaction speed at which it moves.

Hypothesis #2

Hypothesis for experiment- If we put different materials between the ferrofluid and the magnet, the reaction of the ferrofluid will change.

Materials could be- plastic, saran wrap, aluminum foil, wood, glass.

How do we measure the change?

Record by video- observe different shapes it makes, speed it moves at etc.

Materials

To make ferrofluid....
We need- ferric chloride (find substitute), steel wool, coffee filters, ammonia, kerosene and some beakers

• mix ferric chloride with water
• add steel wool - stir until bright green
• use a coffee filter as a strainer
• add more ferric chloride
• add ammonia
• heat for a hour at boiling (in a well ventilated space)
• let solution cool
• add kerosene
• pour off kerosene discard water

One way of making Ferrofluids

http://www.sci-spot.com/Chemistry/liqimag.htm

Materials needed

-OLEIC ACID -HOUSEHOLD AMMONIA -PCB ETCHANT (FERRIC CHLORIDE SOLUTION) -DISTILLED WATER -STEEL WOOL -A STRONG MAGNET -A HEAT SOURCE -2 BEAKERS -KEROSENE -PLASTIC SYRINGE -COFFEE FILTERS

Questions about Ferrofluid

What are ferrofluids?

Are ferrofluids safe to handle? 

How are ferrofluids made?

Can they made "at home"? 

What are the ingredients for ferrofluids? 

What are potential uses for ferrofluids? 

What is the texture of ferrofluids? 

What reacts to ferrofluids? 

Ordered

Ferrofluids have been ordered, along with the ability for DIY fluids and conception of your own variables

Simple Ferrofluid DIY

Here is a very simple approach to make a ferrofluid, are there any other ways we can make them? Can we add this too our research? Should we test out different ways? Can you find any others?

Look forward to your responses!

Ferro Fluids

What are Ferro Fluids? How are they made? Can they be made "at home"?