Purpose
The purpose of this project is to test common sports drinks for their electrolyte content and compare the results to the electrolyte content in common fruit juices.
Hypothesis
If fruit juices were to be compared to sports drinks for electrolyte content, then orange juice would contain the most electrolytes.
Materials
orange juice sports drink (Gatorade, PowerAde, Generic sports drink)
Bare copper wire, 24 gauge wire cutters ruler 1 in. plastic tube
9-v battery
6 in. Wire with alligator clips on both ends (2) small plastic bowls masking tape permanent marker distilled water tap water digital multimeter paper towel alligator clip with out a wire attached paper and pencil to record data
Procedure
1.Cut 2 6in. copper wire pieces
2.Wrap 1 wire piece around the plastic tube, close to the end of the
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Sports drinks high in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help retain fluids, and proper fluid balance contributes to optimal performance. Sodium is the most important electrolyte to monitor during exercise or play. High losses of sodium, typically through sweat, can lead to muscle cramps, which can lead to decreased performance and possibly more major health complications. Sodium losses in sweat are greater than any other electrolyte. Potassium, along with sodium helps prevent muscle cramps. Potassium is present in many food sources, and the typical person has high stores within the body. In activity and sweat, potassium losses are not as high as sodium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Calcium has many roles both in normal body functions and athletic performance. When circulating in the bloodstream, it has a major impact on the metabolism of essential nutrients, and proper physiological functions. Calcium is essential for bone and muscle