Preston T.

Doll

Process Paper

Y8 EOY

Y8 SSA4 Process Paper

Choosing the topic
Our groups SSA4 science project involved the investigation of
magnetic field strength and the deviation of cathode rays in a Maltese
Cross Tube.
I initially chose to do experiments on cathode rays while Nikki and
Bettina were away. Nevertheless, I thought that this topic may be
difficult for them to understand as they may not understand the
concepts, which is why I decided that it would be beneficial for us to
focus on magnetism as well because they could apply their previous
knowledge on the experiments linked to magnetism. When my group
returned from their extended holidays, we decided that two out of our
three experiments could link to magnetism, and they would involve us
investigating how electrical power affects the magnetic field strength
of a solenoid, and how distance affects the magnetic field strength of a
solenoid. As for the cathode ray experiment, after a long period of
considering what we would be capable of, my group decided that we
would investigate how the magnetic field strength of a solenoid affect
the deviation of cathode rays.
Conducting research
My initial idea was about cathode rays, and luckily, the school could
provide us with a Maltese Cross Tube which we could use for our
experiment. Because of this, a normal bar magnet would be insufficient
as the direction of the magnetic field could not be controlled, the only
solution would be to use a solenoid. However, the school did not have
a solenoid, meaning that our group had to construct our own. We did
so using cardboard, copper wire and electrical tape. Upon constructing
the solenoid, my group and I examined the pamphlet given to us and
realised that we could use the solenoid for the other two experiments
involving electrical power and distance. One faced the issues my group
faced in regards to the cathode ray experiment was that the cathode
rays actually deviated. The issue with this is that, if the magnetic field
was traveling parallel to the flow of electrons, then there should be no

Preston T. Doll

Process Paper

Y8 EOY

deviation. Therefore, we can conclude that the solenoid was not placed
properly so that the magnetic field was parallel to the cathode rays.

Relate to topic
This end of year project theme was our choice, and it had to relate to
energy. This year, we have covered various topics linked to biology,
chemistry and physics. Although each field of science covers energy,
my groups experiments did not link to biology and chemistry as much
as it did to physics. This is because our experiments linked to
magnetism and cathode rays are not linked to biology or chemistry,
although the wide whole topic of magnetism and cathode rays
themselves are linked to them.
Biology links to magnetism because different body organs have
magnetic energy fields vibrating at varying frequencies. This is due to
the flow of electricity within our bodies. Rule no. 1 of the
electromagnetics theory states that whenever there is an electric
current, there is a magnetic field. Nevertheless, because the bodys
nervous system is more of an alternating current, the magnetic fields
produced cancel each other out. Studies have shown that alternating
magnetic fields affect the hormonal system, directly or indirectly, and
have slowed down the process of metabolism.
Cathode rays relate to chemistry because they are essentially the flow
of electrons. Chemistry is the study of matter, which consist of atoms.
These atoms contain subatomic particles called electrons. Cathode
rays are electrons. Therefore, cathode rays are linked to chemistry.
Cathode rays specially designed to fit within televisions and
computers. They are used to display the coloured images we see on
the screen.
We can use our previous knowledge on magnetism and circuits to set
up and carry out the experiments which dont involve cathode rays.
However, for the only experiment involving cathode rays, it pushes
each member of my group to our level of understanding, meaning that
we would have to tackle a new topic which we have never learnt
before, making our end of year project interesting and fascinating for
us to work on.

Preston T. Doll

Process Paper

Y8 EOY

Design of exhibit
Our group decided to set up and create a number of models for our
science exhibit, linking to our experiments. One of the key features of
our exhibit will be our model of a Maltese Cross Tube. When parents or
teachers come to view our stall, we will first show them the model of
the tube and explain to them how it works (as in, where the current
flows in and some basic parts of the tube) and some safety procedures
(safety goggles, not touching the power supply etc.). Once a certain
number of people have been briefed with the basics of the cathode ray
tube, they will be led into a small, dark tent where the actual Maltese
Cross Tube is set. The voltage will be turned on so that the viewers can
see the cathode ray. From there, we will use bar magnets and solenoids
to show them the deviation of the electrons and explain why this
happens. And if possible, I will try to bring in the cathode ray tubes
inside an old computer that I possess and demonstrate to the audience
how cathode rays can be applied to our everyday lives.