www.whyville.net Sep 27, 2006 Weekly Issue



MysticP
Whyville Columnist

Science Column

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Everybody has heard the phrase, "It's squeaky clean!" But is it true? Is clean actually squeaky? Well, I set out to find out just that.

After completely scrubbing the counter and the sinks, I wondered how I could make it squeak. I quickly ran my finger across the counter to find that it didn't quite squeak, but it made a deep, vibrating noise. I ran my finger across the sink, and I heard a higher pitched noise that was much more closer to a squeak. Maybe it could be the texture of the object making the frequencies? I proceeded in my experiments.

After having only a slight amount of luck with the bathroom I decided to try something else. Maybe my teeth and gums can squeak?

I had already brushed my teeth in the morning, but that could not be clean enough for this! I thoroughly brushed my teeth for three minutes, making sure I got every spot. I ran my finger again quickly over my teeth to hear a distinct squeak. Finally! I had a break through, but that still did not answer why the other objects did not squeak. I kept experimenting.

What other textures could I try? Oh, yes! Fur! I could wash my dog, but I do not have one. I do have a cat, though!

My cat, Mystic Pixie, did not seem to happy with the idea of getting a bath. That was quite an ordeal, and I am pretty sure that it will not happen again. This experiment did not quite go according to plan. After the bath, Mystic proceeded to run under my parents' bed and hiss at anything that moved. So, that experiment has yet to take place, but I can bet that she would not have squeaked if I rubbed my finger quickly across her fur.

What other experiments were out there for me to do? I wanted to try something with hair. I tried my face, even though I didn't exactly see much hair on it. (Please be very careful when trying this. It is very easy to hurt yourself!)

I used antibacterial face soap three times, scrubbing every pore with a powerful intensity. Once I was sure that my face had nothing left to it, I raised my finger. It touched my forehead and slipped across the surface creating a lovely squeak. Another success! I was proud of myself!

So, some of the experiments worked, but they did not all squeak. I guess that we can come to the conclusion that clean is fifty percent squeak, but it is one hundred percent noise. Everything made a noise, yes even Mystic hissed. I would say that the different noises were because of the different textures and maybe even shapes. My face and teeth are curved while the bathroom counter is completely flat and the sink is slightly concave. What do you think?

To do the first experiment, all you have to do is ask you mother or father if you could clean the bathroom. Trust me, they will be happy to let you! If you ask nicely, I'm sure they would help!

The second experiment involved just the normal oral care that everyone needs. Simply scrub your teeth until you feel that they are adequately clean. I would say a toothbrush and toothpaste would be easiest for this.

The third experiment involved a lot of trouble and a ferocious feline. I would recommend bathing a dog. If you do not have one make a dog wash. You can do the experiment and earn money!

The fourth experiment was extremely difficult. Do not try it unless you feel like you can do it safely. Use some face soap to scrub your face until all the dead skin comes off. Be careful not to scrub too hard or too long. It could damage your skin!

I hope that everyone enjoyed reading this article. I know I had fun doing it! Try out your own experiments. Wash a car, a bike, a window. Try anything! Remember to talk about your experiments in the BBS!

Your Scientist,
MysticP

 

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