DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL

FARIDABAD
STEM ACTIVITY

General Instructions

- All activities to be performed under parental supervison

- For a demo of the mentioned activities kindly click on given link or

scan QR code

Video link - https://bit.ly/2ycEXVo

QR code -

- All STEM Lab worksheets have to be done in the FC.

 Air Filter

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to

 Understand air and its composition

 Explain microbes present in air and their useful
and harmful aspects
 Describe effect of air filter on microbes
 Relate real air filter with their own air filter model
 Understand reaction between carbon dioxide with
lime water
 Analyze flow of air and how pore size in filter
effects filtration
Air and its pollutants

Air being the one of the most vital part in our environment has been widely affected by
human activities. Air is being contaminated by many sources of pollution like vehicles,
industries etc.

The rate of contamination of air is about 0.82% higher than the rate at which nature
recycles the air and which is alarming. Misbalance at one constituent leads its effect on
various phenomenon’s on earth.

Air composition
• Air is a mixture of gases in varying amounts.
• It consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, argon and other inert gases to the extent of
about 1.0%.
• In addition, carbon dioxide is another important constituent of the atmosphere which
varies in amount from 0.1% to 0.3%.
• The other gases, e.g., sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, etc. are found in very
small quantities. Water vapor is also an important constituent which varies from region to
region.
Microbes present in air
Microorganisms are small organisms invisible to the naked eye because of their extremely
small size. They are grouped into various groups like Bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and
viruses.
Many of these organisms are useful to human and nature while some are harmful and even
cause diseases.

Useful and harmful microorganisms

Type Useful microorganisms Harmful microorganisms

Bacteria Lactobacillus (curd bacteria) Salmonella typhi (causes typhoid)

Fungi Penicillium notatum (to make Trichophyton rubrum (Athlete's foot)
antibiotics)
Algae Anabaena (biological nitrogen blue-green algae and red tides
fixation) (produce toxins)
Protozoa Paramecium (kills harmful Plasmodium (malaria fever)
bacteria)
Virus polio, chicken pox (to make HIV (causes AIDS)
vaccines)

Air Filter

Air filter is a device composed of fibrous materials which removes solid particulates such as
dust, pollen, mold and bacteria from the air. Filters containing an absorbent or catalyst such
as charcoal (carbon) may also remove odors and gaseous pollutants such as volatile
organic compounds or ozone.
Air filters are used in applications where air quality is important, notably in building
ventilation systems and in engines.

Flow of air
The movement of air through Earth's -- or any planet's -- atmosphere is called wind, and the
main cause of Earth's winds is uneven heating by the sun. This uneven heating causes
changes of atmospheric pressure, and winds blow from regions with high pressure to those
with low pressure. Below diagram shows flow of air in air filter.
Effect of Air filter on microorganisms

Air filters kill bacteria and viruses and keep our home safe airborne viruses such as the flu,
common colds, the stomach bug, and more. As flu season approaches, it is essential to
reduce and eliminate bacteria and germs from the air in our home and office. Whether you
are trying to protect you children or clean the air in a hospital room, these air filters will get
the job done.

Difference between air filter and air purifier

Air filters (also called air cleaners) and air purifiers are commonly thought to be the same.
They both clean the air in some form or another but they do so in different manner.
Air purifiers are designed to kill bacteria, molds and fungus.

Air purifiers accomplish this by using UV germicidal lamps (instead of using a filter), which
means that some air purifiers can only destroy these organisms when they are in close
contact with them.
A typical home or business has a forced air and heating and cooling system that blows air
through the ductwork and air vents, which are located throughout the building. These
 systems have air filters that are designed to keep the HVAC unit clean inside. Air filters also
reduce airborne particulate like dust and dander from being recirculated throughout the
home.

Different types of air filter

There are many different types of air filters; not all filters are able to remove the same types
of contaminants from the air. HEPA air filters, for example, are widely acknowledged to be
most powerful types of air filters on the market. These are used in homes, as well as in
industries where the air must be highly sanitized.

There are also carbon air filters, which are effective at removing cigarette smoke and various
other chemicals.

Making of Air Filter

Making of air filter depends on the type of constituents we intent to separate from air. The
filter we design should separate following things

1. Dust Particles
2. Super fine dust and other particles
 3. Reducing the content of carbon dioxide
4. Bad odor

We can make air filter by using following three different layers together:

1. Simple Fabric – Layer 1

This will absorb and block the passage of bigger particles through it. This can be
made using a cloth or cotton and can be placed at the entrance of the air path.

2. Fabric with lubricant – Layer 2

To absorb the dust particles which are smaller in size and has affinity for oil gets
absorbed at this layer.

3. Fabric with lime water – Layer 3

This layer is used to absorb the carbon dioxide present in the air. The lime water
picks up the carbon dioxide and turns milky.
Carbon dioxide passed into limewater gives a milky solution. This is due to the insoluble
suspension of calcium carbonate formed:
Ca(OH)2(aq) + CO2(g) → CaCO3(s) + H2O(l)
The milkiness disappears since calcium bicarbonate is water-soluble.
Observation

Use cotton in place of filter paper in air filter and write down your observation in space given
below.

Working of Air Filter

As the fan rotates and pushes the air towards the air tunnel. The air encounters Layer 1
filter. At Layer 1 filter the air particles being smaller in size escape the layer and bigger dust
particles gets blocked by it.

When air reaches Layer 2 it’s free from all visual dust particles. At Layer 2 smaller dust
particles gets adsorb on the surface of the filter because of oil, leaving behind on the air.
Dust particles get stick to oil particles.

At the last layer the filter is soaked in lime water and the moment air comes in its contact
the carbon dioxide particles starts reacting with lime water. At Layer 3 the carbon dioxide
gets absorbed and comparatively better quality of air is available at the end of the tunnel.

Observation

1. What else we can use in third layer of air filter to absorb carbon dioxide?

2. Name two natural processes that absorb carbon dioxide.

3. Keep your air filter in front of silencer of different vehicles for 5-10 minutes and write your
observation in space provided.
Importance of air filter

Having a clean air filter for your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is
very important for a variety of reasons, including comfort, energy efficiency, protection of
internal components and longevity of the unit.
For the best performance of your HVAC system, the air filter should be inspected and
changed once a month during periods of heavy use. Changing the air filter is definitely a do-
it-yourself task that homeowners can perform.
 Quiz Time

1. Explain the role of HEPA in air filters?

2. What happens when carbon dioxide is passed through lime water for a long time?

3. Suggest some methods to improve working of air filter.

 DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL
FARIDABAD
STEM ACTIVITY
General Instructions

-All activities to be performed under parental supervison

-For a demo of the mentioned activities kindly click on

given link or scan QR code

Video link - https://bit.ly/2W3iYuA

QR code -

-All STEM Lab worksheets have to be done in the FC.

 FIXED AND VARIABLE
RESISTORS

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to

 Understand the meaning of resistance

 Learn about resistors.
 Know the type of resistors
 Learn application of different types of
resistors discussed.
Introduction

Resistance is the property of a substance which opposes the flow of electric current
(or electricity) through it OR it is the ability of a circuit which opposes current.

Resistor

A resistor is a component or device designed to have a known value of resistance.

Those components and devices which are specially designed to have a certain
amount of resistance and used to oppose or limit the electric current flowing through
it are called resistors.

Types of Resistors:

Generally, Resistors are of two types: Linear and Non-Linear

Further, Linear resistors are of two types :
 Fixed Resistors
 Variable Resistors

Fixed Resistors
As the name tells everything, fixed resistor is a resistor which has a specific value
and we can’t change the value of fixed resistors.

Characteristic of Fixed Resistors

Generally, they are very cheap and small in
size, hence, occupy less space. They are
reliable and available in different ohmic and
power ratings. Also, fixed resistor can be
easily connected to the circuit and
withstand for more voltage.
  In other hand, they are less stable
means their temperature coefficient is
very high.
 Also, they make a slight noise as compared to other types of resistors.

Types of Fixed resistors.:

 Carbon Composition Resistors

 Wire Wound Resistors
 Thin Film Resistors
 Thick Film Resistors

Variable Resistors
 A
s the name indicates, those resistors which
values can be changed through a dial, knob,
and screw or manually by a proper method.

In these types of resistors, there is a sliding
arm, which is connected to the shaft and the
value of resistance can be changed by
rotating the arm.
 T
hey are used in the radio receiver for volume
control and tone control resistance.

Following are the further types of Variable Resistors

 Potentiometers
 Rheostats
 Trimmers

Practically, both types of resistors (Fixed and Variable) are generally used for the
following purposes.

 For Current control and limiting

 To change electrical energy in the form of heat energy
 As a shunt in Ampere meters
 As a multiplier in a Voltmeter
 To control temperature
 To control voltage or Drop
 For protection purposes, e.g. Fusible Resistors
 In laboratories
 In home electrical appliances like heater, iron, immersion rod etc.
 Widely used in the electronics industries
 Quiz Time

1. What is the main difference between fixed and variable resistors?

2. Resistors that have set resistance, are known as:

a) Fixed resistors
b) Variable resistors
c) Thermistors
d) Fixators

3. Write your observations below:

MULTIMETER READING

CURRENT VOLTAGE

Across Fixed Resistor

Across Variable Resistor

Across LED
 DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL
FARIDABAD
STEM ACTIVITY
General Instructions

- All activities to be performed under parental supervison

- For a demo of the mentioned activities kindly click on given link or scan
QR code

Video link - http://bit.ly/2BVPUuw

QR code -

- All STEM Lab worksheets have to be done in the FC.

 Vacuum Cleaner

Learning Outcomes:

Physics-

 Concept of vacuum & pressure

 Effects of pressure, creating high & low pressure
 Working of vacuum cleaner

Chemistry-

 Pollutants, their nature & properties

 Composition of battery
 Reactions involved in a battery

Biology-

 Environmental impacts of vacuum cleaners

 Reaction of pressure difference in working of lungs
 Relation of breathing & pressure difference
Concept of Pressure
Pressure is generally the result of molecules within a gas or liquid, impacting on their
surroundings, usually the walls of the containing vessel. Its magnitude depends on the force of
the impacts over a defined area. It is measured in ‘Newton per square meter’; given the
special name ‘Pascal’.

The relationship between pressure (p), force (F) and area (A) is given by:

p=F/A

This equation applies whether the pressure is very small, such as in outer space, or very large,
as in hydraulic systems.

So the word pressure is correct when referring to the entire range of ‘force per unit area’
measurements, although at extremely low pressures the concept of molecules exerting a force
becomes more abstract.

High & low pressure area-

Air mass has an inherent pressure due to its temperature.

Relatively cold air masses have relatively high atmospheric pressures

associated with them because the denser air has more mass in it per cubic
unit, causing any point on the surface of the earth to bear more weight from
the gravitational pull on that mass.

Relatively warm air masses have relatively low atmospheric pressures

associated with them because the air is relatively less dense and so there is
less mass to be pulled by gravity against each square unit on the surface of
the earth. Low pressure areas also develop in areas of relatively warm air
because the rising warm air causes a low pressure below it as it draws
matter upward out of the space below it.
Concept of pressure in real world-

Mechanics of Breathing
The ability to breathe—to have air enter the lungs during inspiration and air leave the lungs
during expiration—is dependent on the air pressure of the atmosphere and the air pressure
within the lungs.

Pressure Relationships

Inspiration (or inhalation) and expiration (or exhalation) are dependent on the differences in
pressure between the atmosphere and the lungs. In a gas, pressure is a force created by the
movement of gas molecules that are confined. For example, a certain number of gas
molecules in a two-liter container has more room than the same number of gas molecules in a
one-liter container (Figure 1). In this case, the force exerted by the movement of the gas
molecules against the walls of the two-liter container is lower than the force exerted by the gas
molecules in the one-liter container. Therefore, the pressure is lower in the two-liter container
and higher in the one-liter container.

Air, like other gases, flows from a region with higher pressure to a region with lower pressure.
Muscular breathing movements and recoil of elastic tissues create the changes in pressure
that result in ventilation. Pulmonary ventilation involves three different pressures:

 Atmospheric pressure
 Intraalveolar (intrapulmonary) pressure
 Intrapleural pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the pressure of the air outside the body. Intraalveolar pressure is the
pressure inside the alveoli of the lungs. Intrapleural pressure is the pressure within the pleural
cavity. These three pressures are responsible for pulmonary ventilation.

Inspiration
Inspiration (inhalation) is the process of taking air into the lungs. It is the active phase of
ventilation because it is the result of muscle contraction. During inspiration, the diaphragm
contracts and the thoracic cavity increases in volume. This decreases the intraalveolar
pressure so that air flows into the lungs. Inspiration draws air into the lungs.

Expiration
Expiration (exhalation) is the process of letting air out of the lungs during the breathing cycle.
During expiration, the relaxation of the diaphragm and elastic recoil of tissue decreases the
thoracic volume and increases the intraalveolar pressure. Expiration pushes air out of the
lungs.

Vacuum
The term vacuum comes from the Latin word ‘vacuus’ which means empty.

The definition of a vacuum is not precise but is commonly taken to mean pressures below and
often considerably below, atmospheric pressure.

It does not have separate units and we do not say that ‘vacuum equals force per unit area’.
Thus, strictly speaking, we do not need to talk about both pressure and/ or vacuum because
vacuum is pressure. But the differences are often misunderstood and thus leaving out the word
vacuum can falsely imply that the pressure in question is above that of atmospheric pressure.

Another definition of the distinction between pressure and vacuum comes from the industries
which use and make pressure and vacuum equipment.

Broadly, if the force on the walls of the containing vessel is sufficient to permit its measurement
directly, we are dealing with pressure technology but if the force is too small for direct
measurement and has to be indirectly inferred, we are in the realm of vacuum technology.

Vacuum Cleaner
In 1901, Hubert Cecil Booth invented a large vacuum cleaner known as the Puffing Billy. The
Puffing Billy was first powered by an oil engine and later by an electric motor, but Booth never
achieved much success with his large machine.

A vacuum cleaner, also known as a sweeper or hoover, is a device that uses an air pump to
create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from floors, and from other surfaces
such as upholstery and draperies.

Science behind vacuum cleaner

A vacuum cleaner runs its motor using electricity from outlet. The fan has angled blades, which
pull the air up. This moves air from under the fan away, leaving an area of low air pressure
below the fan, and near your floor. Air when moves from areas of high pressure to
comparatively low pressure. This process is what will remove dirt from floor.

In simple words, the low pressure area caused by the air going into the vacuum cleaner draws
up small objects which then get trapped in bags or filters.

Effects of vacuum cleaner

Vacuum Releases Germ and Bacteria Back

Vacuums suck up the dirt from the surroundings with a high pressure suction. This makes
cleaning fast and easy. However, it has been observed through extensive research and
reading through many vacuum cleaner reviews that the dirt that vacuums suck with such high
pressure are released back into the environment with equal force as well. This happens as
soon as you switch off the vacuum that it pushes the germs and bacteria back into the
surroundings although obviously it is much less visible this time.

Polluted Air Causes Health Problems

The entire point of cleaning your home is to make sure you are not attacked by germs. If
vacuums are generally pushing major germs back into the atmosphere, it is most likely going
to adversely impact your health. It has been reported that regular use of vacuum results in
serious skin and breathing problems.

Pollutants, their nature & effects-

A substance or a condition that contaminates air, water or soil is known as a pollutant.
Pollutants can be artificial substances such as pesticides and PCBs or naturally occurring
substances such as oil and carbon dioxide that occur in harmful concentration in the
environment.

There are a number of ways to classify pollutants, such as by the medium polluted (air, water,
or soil), the polluting chemical (organic, inorganic, etc.), the target organisms (people, plants,
wildlife), the nature of effects (odors, respiratory irritants, carcinogens, eggshell thinning of
birds exposed to "DDT"), or according to the sources (natural or man-made, intensive or
extensive, etc.).

Effects of air pollutants on the environment-

The major source of air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels, which causes an
excess of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Vehicles commonly cause this kind of pollution,
as does the burning of coal. Fossil fuels being burned create a substance commonly referred
to as smog, which is a dense layer of carbon-monoxide-based cloud matter. Air pollution is a
contributing factor of asthma, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, as well as many other lung-
based ailments. The burning of a large amount of fossil fuels can also result in the mixture of
sulfuric acid and nitrogen, which can combine to form acid rain.

Better Solution
HEPA Filter Vacuums Can Be Different
It has been stated time and time again that a vacuum cleaner that comes with HEPA (high
efficiency particulate air) filters are less likely to behave in such an absurd way and keep all dirt
locked inside them. Of course, this is not 100% effective but is definitely a lot more better than
normal and substandard vacuum cleaners.

Battery in Vacuum Cleaner Model- Composition of battery-

The alkaline battery gets its name because it has an alkaline electrolyte of potassium
hydroxide, instead of the acidic ammonium chloride or zinc chloride electrolyte of the zince
carbon batteries.

Reactions involved in battery-

In an alkaline battery, the negative electrode is zinc and the positive electrode is manganese
dioxide (MnO2). The alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide is not part of the reaction, only
the zinc and MnO2 are consumed during discharge. The alkaline electrolyte of potassium
hydroxide remains, as there are equal amounts of OH− consumed and produced.

The half-reactions are:

 Zn(s) + 2OH−(aq) → ZnO(s) + H2O(l) + 2e− [Eoxidation° = +1.28 V]

 2MnO2(s) + H2O(l) + 2e− → Mn2O3(s) + 2OH−(aq) [Ereduction° = +0.15 V]

Overall reaction:
 Zn(s) + 2MnO2(s) ⇌ ZnO(s) + Mn2O3(s) [e° = +1.43 V]

The chemical energy is stored mostly in the zinc metal, whose cohesive free energy per atom
is at least 225 kJ/mol higher (less stable) than that of the three oxides
 Quiz Time

1. Why exhaust fans are usually mounted on the top of roof?

2. Why holes are made at bottom of the box, used for making vacuum cleaner?

3. Why it is essential to rotate blades of propeller anticlockwise?

4. What impact does a vacuum cleaner have on the environment?

5. What other types of batteries are you aware about?