Alex Dang Honors Chemistry Period 5 Group 10 Topic: Electrolytes: It s What s Inside That Counts Due Date: 4 October 2016 Science Fair Assignment (2) Background Research The topic is Electrolytes: It s What s Inside That Counts. In this experiment, the scientist will be researching whether juices are more effective in replenishing electrolytes than sports drinks. The independent variable in the experiment are the different types of beverages used, while the dependent variable is the number of electrolytes in the drinks. A constant would be the amount of the beverages used and the control is water. Units used while measuring the number of electrolytes are siemens, amperes, and volts. In order to find whether juices are more effective than sports drinks in restoring electrolytes, it would be necessary to compare the number of electrolytes in both types of products. To do this, a multimeter along with a 9-volt battery would be required to measure the current of the beverages. A multimeter is usually used to find the voltage, current, and resistance of an object, but with this experiment only the current is needed. Specifically, the ammeter would be needed to measure the current, which is then used to find the overall conductance. Finding the conductance of a substance is done by dividing the substance s current by the voltage. In this case, the voltage would be from the 9-volt battery used in the experiment. Through finding the conductance of a beverage, the number of electrolytes presents would also be found, as the conductance equates to the total number of electrolytes. (David Whyte, 2016). Commented [YC1]: In-Text citation The scientist went on to research what exactly electrolytes are and their importance to the human body. Electrolytes are a substance that separates into electrically charged ions when exposed to a fluid. The positive and negative charges of these ions are what allows cells to use electrolytes to carry impulses throughout the body. (Emily Brown, 2009). These electric Commented [YC2]:
Dang 2 impulses are sent throughout the body to help regulate different functions like muscle contraction and hydration levels, all of which are especially important for athletes. A few examples of electrolytes found in the human body are potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. However, a lack of electrolytes may lead to various symptoms like weakness, muscle spasms, exhaustion, irregular heartbeat, and confusion. (Better Nutrition, 2013). Healthy individuals usually have the correct amounts of electrolytes, but some medical conditions, especially with the kidneys, could result with an imbalance of electrolytes. Illnesses that involve vomiting and diarrhea may also lead to below average electrolyte levels. Athletes suffer greatly from another method of losing electrolytes, and that s through sweat. Both sodium and potassium are lost in large amounts through sweat, while smaller amounts of magnesium and chloride are lost. (Emily Brown, 2009). In addition, the amount of urine that an individual produces is connected to the amount of electrolytes that are lost. (Sarah Bowen Shea, 2008). Researchers have found that there is no set ratio in the number of electrolytes typically lost because everyone sweats differently and the amount of fluid and electrolytes lost varies. (Natalie Zmuda, 2009). For athletes who workout for at least an hour, choosing a drink with the right balance of water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes becomes more important in order to maintain fluids. Another way to take in more electrolytes is though tablets that dissolve in water and give flavor with the use of few carbohydrates. These are useful for individuals who find themselves losing large amounts of electrolytes in sweat. (Sarah Bowen Shea, 2008). Although sports drinks provide an adequate amount of electrolytes to replace those lost in sweat, they seem to be outclassed by regular foods. Something as simple as a banana contains 450mg of potassium, while Gatorade contains only 30mg per 8-ounce serving. (Emily Brown, 2009). To top things
Dang 3 off, coconut water can be more beneficial than sports drink as they naturally contain electrolytes and helps increase blood volumes. (Stefanie Scott, 2008). To further the scientist s understanding of the problem at hand, he looked though similar experiments and found that a scientist had concluded in their experiment that sports drinks contained more electrolytes than juices. However, they claimed that juices would have an overall more beneficial effect as the difference in electrolytes was no by much and juices also provide other health benefits besides electrolytes. This scientist had conducted their research on orange juice, so this raised the question that another form of juice may actually top sports drinks in electrolyte count. (stewartciencereports, 2010). With the growing number of athletes and individuals who exercise, maintaining a healthy amount of electrolytes has become a lasting issue. Sweating is common among humans and the need to replenish lost electrolytes will always be an important part of staying healthy. In conclusion, the scientist has learned about electrolytes, their importance to the human body, and methods to restore electrolytes back into the body.
Dang 4 Bibliography 1. Whyte, D. (2016, September 30). Electrolyte Challenge: Orange Juice Vs. Sports Drink. Commented [YC3]: At least 5 Bibliography 3 books / journals, 2 websites Retrieved September 15, 2016, from http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fairprojects/project_ideas/chem_p053.shtml#background Commented [YC4]: APA format 2. Perform better, recover faster. (2013, January). Perform Better, Recover Faster, 1-1. doi:gale A313519219 3. Brown, E. (2009, November). Don't sweat it: What runners need to know about electrolytes. Don't Sweat It: What Runners Need to Know about Electrolytes, 1-1. doi:gale A209234078 4. Shea, S. B. (2008, July). Have a drink? Have a Drink?, 1-1. doi:gale A184144974 5. Scott, S. (2008, May). Sporting healthier options: Sports drinks perform for consumers' needs. Sporting Healthier Options: Sports Drinks Perform for Consumers' Needs, 1-1. doi:gale A193959615 6. Zmuda, N. (2009, March 23). GATOR BAITER: POWERADE JABS AT POWERHOUSE; Coke brand goads Gatorade in push pegging sports-drink category leader as less "complete' GATOR BAITER: POWERADE JABS AT POWERHOUSE; Coke Brand Goads Gatorade in Push Pegging Sports-drink Category Leader as Less "complete', 1-1. doi:gale A196395081 7. Electrolytes vs. Orange Juice. (2010, October 2). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from https://stewartsciencereports.wikispaces.com/electrolytes vs. Orange Juice
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