Method

In our project, we used 5 different setups, each requiring different methods.  To jump to a particular setup, click below:

Constants in each setup were:

Camera: Canon Optura video camera
Scan mode: progressive
Trigger type: no trigger; continuous lighting
Shutter: 1/1000 seconds
Exposure: automatic; progressive scan
Zoom: manual

Before each reaction in each setup took place, we used tweezers to remove the metal from it's container (which was filled with mineral oil). We used a kitchen knife to cut off a desired size piece of the metal, and then we dried the metal off with a paper towel. We used tweezers to drop the metal into the water container.  

Setup 1
The first setup that we found to be successful involved placing the camera on a tripod in front of the container of water. We placed a strong, continuous light source next to the camera facing the water. This allowed one person to press record on the camera while the other person dropped the metal into the water. The camera could be tilted at different angles to produce side or slightly top views of the water container. This setup is shown below:

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Setup 2
The previous setup was altered to allow us to capture the image from a closer position. We placed a continuous projector light behind two pieces of Plexiglas. The water container was placed in front of the diffused light source. The camera was placed in front of the water container, creating backlit film clips. This setup is shown below:

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Setup 3
We then altered the setup to enable us to focus on the vapor created by the reaction. We moved the projector slightly behind the camera, removed the diffusers (Plexiglas), and used a slide with an aperture that allowed us to focus the light of the projector at the fumes. The shadow of the fumes was then projected onto a sheet of white Scotchlite.  This diagram is similar to Setup 2 with the exception of a projector next to the camera.

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Setup 4
 In the next setup, to film looking up into the reaction, we placed the water container on the side of a fish aquarium that was turned on its side.  We used foam and wood blocks to prop up the camera inside the aquarium, facing up towards the water container. A strong light on a tripod stood above the aquarium. Plexiglas was held up above the aquarium by ring stands to diffuse the light. This setup called for the photographer to put her hand inside the aquarium to focus the camera. This was not much of a problem, as the aquarium was fairly large and the camera was easy to reach. This setup is shown below:

Later, the previous setup was altered by putting the camera on a tripod facing the water container to allow for side shots, although we did not find this new setup as useful.  

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Setup 5
In the last setup, the water container was placed directly on the tabletop. The light was moved so that it was directed at the side of the water container. The camera was placed on the table on a tripod so that it faced down directly into the top of the water container. 

For all of our previous experiments, when using potassium as our reacting metal, we placed a Plexiglas sheet with a hole in its center on the top of the water container after dropping in the potassium.* For this experiment, however, the fumes clouded up the top of the water container and kept us from filming the reaction itself. To remedy this, we placed the water container inside of the aquarium, right side up, with two smaller Plexiglas sheets to place on top. After dropping the potassium into the water container, we covered the aquarium with the Plexiglas sheets. 

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*We covered each reaction of potassium with a sheet of clear plastic because this reaction tended to shoot out pieces of metal.