Expert: Walter Hintz - 12/30/2005

Question
Hi, I'm doing a science fair project on how the ingredients of sugar, vinegar, and an asprin mixed seperately with water effect daisys' health. Like what mixture will allow the daisys to stay living the longest. My question is why will each ingredient do will it will. Like why is the vinegar causing the daisy to die quicker than the sugar mixture, etc. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Amber:
  It would help me answer your question if I knew a little more about your hypothesis, experimental design and your data so far. Did you control your experiments?  Did you use plain water also? As it appears to me you seem to have too many variables. You are actually doing three different studies here.
Once you have your data the reason for the results constitutes another problem. Vinegar and aspirin are acids and can effect the roots of the plant.  High sugar concentrations of sugar can affect the water balance and rate of osmosis in the roots.  What were your concentrations.
  I hope I have not complicated your study too much.  tell me some more so I can see what you have done to date.
 I will be out of town for about a week starting monday. If you wish to get back to me use my email at waltjh@sbcglobal.net