AboutDan Fink Expertise Though my experience is mostly in the fields of electricity, magnetism, and physics, I have a broad science background. My career is in the field of alternative power sources -- solar, wind, water and battery power. But any questions about electricity, magnetism, energy conservation, power generation, electric motors, and even general physics are very welcome--especially from kids. They ask the best questions of all! I pride myself in answering science questions accurately, with ideas for SAFE, easy experiments that kids can perform by themselves--and that let them prove the answers to their own satisfaction. I think science should be fun, and available to everyone, regardless of age.
Experience I have volunteered in our local public schools for 5 years. I currently make presentations at our schools about electricity and magnetism, with a focus on solar, wind, water and other alternative power sources. I try to demonstrate at our schools how easy it is to make electricity, with simple devices using spinning magnets and coils of wire--powered by wind, water, bicycles, gerbils...etc. And of course solar panels! I am the webmaster of Otherpower.com, an alternative energy website. I have lived 10 miles from the nearest power pole for 11 years--I make all my own electricity from scratch with sun, wind and water.
Expert: Dan Fink Date: 1/29/2008 Subject: Yeast experiment
Question My son did an experiment with yeast, sugar, vinegar, baking soda and salt to see which would produce the largest balloon. Initially the sugar produced the largest balloon. But after sitting overnight, the vinegar produced the largest balloon. Why is that? We thought it would have been the sugar alone.
Answer Hi Janee -- I don't have enough information to asnwer your question. I think I can guess, though....you used yeast, sugar and water in one jar, and baking soda and vinegar in the other? I'm not sure where the salt came in. Please give me the details of what mixtures you used, and I'd be happy to answer the question. Just post a followup here.
DAN
