Can't Judge a Powder B

[SolonSOohio]

I have some questions:
How do you tell if a powder is hygroscopic? (procedures)
How do you test conductivity if you aren't allowed to bring a multimeter? (tester used)

A) Look in the 2007 test packet (2006 tests). There is an excellent description of the experiment that they were looking for testing for hygroscopic-ness on the CJAP test answer key.
B) Why wouldn't you be allowed to bring a multimeter? It says in the rules that a conductivity tester is allowed?

I asked the FAQ on national science olympiad page and they said you can't bring a multimeter. See here: http://soinc.org/node/477
Also what is the link to the "2007 test packet (2006 tests)".

[ichaelm]

There's a difference between a conductivity meter and a multimeter. It's like the difference between resistance and resistivity (I'm in shock value). Basically though, you need to either make a conductivity meter, or you can buy one of those fancy digital ones.

[SolonSOohio]

There's a difference between a conductivity meter and a multimeter. It's like the difference between resistance and resistivity (I'm in shock value). Basically though, you need to either make a conductivity meter, or you can buy one of those fancy digital ones.

Yes, but it said you couldn't bring a multimeter for measuring resistance. What should i bring then?

[ichaelm]

You can make one out of a battery, a LED, a small incandescent lamp, and two pieces of metal. The LED will be highly sensitive, the lamp will be less sensitive (they should be in parallel). Or, I can trade you one at the swap meet!

[haven chuck]

Would this be ok? - http://www.amazon.com/RCI-Conductivity- ... B0017Y7K6K

[ichaelm]

Oh sure! But the shipping is gonna be a killing... Lol seriously, if you anyone needs one I can make a simple one in 5 seconds and give it to you friday! Or ask your shock value guy! If he can't do it then he needs to practice more

Edit: Wait a minute. That's like 50 dollars. Without shipping. That's completely unreasonable. If you do buy one, don't fall for something like that!

[haven chuck]

We already had it and used it for states, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something and was going to bring a DQ upon myself. Thanks for the offer though.

[ichaelm]

Oh ok then

[SidT]

I know they let some of you use a graduated cylinder at States, but will they allow it at Nationals?

[SolonSOohio]

I'm preety sure you can because how else would you measure the volume of the liquid? It depends on the national judges.