Effect of Magnetic Fields on Radish Seed Germination

Effect of Magnetic Fields on Radish Seed Germination Natalie Hyland Grade 12 Oakland Catholic

Objective n To determine the effects of magnetic fields on radish seed germination

Hypothesis n Seed germination will be inhibited by the presence of magnetic fields

Materials n 12 Iron-Neodymium-Boron permanent magnets ¨ BHmax: 42 Mega-Gauss Oersteds ¨ Surface Field: 2250 Gauss n n n 4 petri dishes 80 radish seeds (raphanus sativus) Digital camera Water Paper towels Double sided tape

Iron Neodymium Boron Magnets Fe-Nd-B magnets are among the strongest permanent magnets in the world. n Composition is 82 atomic % Fe, 6 atomic % B, 12 atomic % Nd) § Purchased from K&J Magnetics § BHmax: 52 Mega-Gauss Oersteds § Requires roughly a 19 pound force to separate two magnets n

Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Cut paper towels to fit inside 4 petri dishes Set petri dishes by a window at room temperature Saturate paper towels with tap water Place 20 radish seeds in each petri dish Observe growth/germination each day Moisten paper towels if necessary End trial after 8 days Repeated experiments 3 times

Experimental Setup Control Petri Dishes Field Strength 2 Magnets 4500 Gauss 4 Magnets 9000 Gauss 6 Magnets 13500 Gauss Fe-Nd-B magnets

Trial 1 Data

Trial 2 Data

Trial 3 Data