General Safety Guidelines

The Problem

You have just been hired by a product testing company that has received many complaints from anglers about the supposed strength of nylon fishing line. Your company has provided you with a small laboratory and the following materials to conduct your tests.

Materials

Milk jug with a hole in the lid
2 clamps
Ring stand with long arm
Popsicle sticks (or tongue depressors)
Several types of nylon string
Scale
Plastic funnel
Water

Pre-Lab

Using the materials listed, develop a plan to test each type of nylon fishing line. Remember that during the test, the stress must be placed on the nylon. Your plan should include all testing methods, criteria, and types of data you intend to collect. This plan must be approved by your teacher prior to proceeding with the lab.

Post-Lab

Create a table that describes the data collected during the experiment. This table must be easy to read and easy to follow. On the same sheet as your pre-lab plan, write a report of your findings. Can the nylon string withstand the weight it says it can on the package? Explain your reasons for any differences. What are the differences you notice in the different strengths of nylon string?

Mechanical Properties of Polymers — learn the difference between strength and toughness, and much more, part of The Macrogalleria from the University of Southern Mississippi.

This activity was created by Stacy Brust.