2022 IB Diploma Extended Essays

This means that the results of this experiment are Milk has a relatively low viscosity at around 7 – 8 while magma has a viscosity 10,000 to 100,000 times that of water. This means that milks resistance to flow is much less than magma. If something resembling magma were to be used, the change in height would not increase as dramatically and the slope would be lower. Io’s orbit is not circular, like in this experiment. This means that at points in the moons orbit it experiences less and more gravitational force from Jupiter. This effects the comparison made between this model and the orbit of Io. In my experiment, earths gravity greatly effects the amount at which the liquid is displaced. This would be similar to inertial on the planet, still the liquid would not be forced down into the container if not for earths gravity. This affects how accurately the displacement of magma in Io is represented in the experiment.

Viscosity of liquid used

A more viscous liquid could be used such as syrup or motor oil to better simulate the magma present under the surface of Io.

Circular orbit vs irregular orbit

Different radiuses could be used to show how Io experiences a different amount of gravitational force in different stages of its orbit.

Earth’s gravity

The experiment would be improved if the container only contained the fluid and the displacement of molecules could be measured. However, it could also be improved if performed in a vacuum with a closed container.

3.4.2 Strengths of the Experiment Use of milk

Since milk has a higher viscosity compared to water, it more accurately models the magma under the surface of Io. The molten rock in the interior of Io however, has a very high viscosity. But the speed at which Io is travelling is much faster that the beaker in my experiment therefore both of the fluids are displaced in both situations. The visibility of the milk, especially when it had food colouring in it, was also much better than water.

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