4. Discussion

4.1 Key findings

It was found that the presence of a magnetic field does not affect the mass of the crystals grown, however it does affect the structure, size and opacity of the crystals. Thus, it can be concluded that the presence of a magnetic field does not affect the rate of growth of crystals but does affect the growth in terms of size and structure. It can be concluded that the presence of a magnetic field can affect the growth of diamagnetic crystals.

4.2 Explanation of key findings

Zinc sulfate is diamagnetic hence it has a magnetic field in opposition to an externally applied magnetic field which in this case, is the neodymium magnet. A suggested theory was that the molecules in the zinc sulfate solution may have oriented itself such that the atom in the zinc sulfate is closer to the positive charge and the hydrogen atoms in the water were  closer to the negative charge of the neodymium magnet. This would have caused the more structured growth of the crystals. There was no significant difference in the mass of the crystals with the magnetic field and without the magnetic field. Thus, the mass of the crystals was not affected by the presence of the magnetic field.

4.3 Evaluation of hypothesis

The hypothesis was incorrect as the weight of the crystals grown with the magnetic field and the weight of the crystals grown without the magnetic field were different. However, in terms of structure and size, there was a significant difference.

4.4 Areas for improvement

When the beakers were weighed, there could have been excess water left in the beaker although most of the water had been poured out and thus this could have affected the results when weighing the crystals. The crystals could also have been left to form for 1 more week for more significant and conclusive results.