Arjun’s experiment was about Cell Phone Radiation. The question was: What is the effect of different variables in the amount of electromagnetic radiation received from cellular phones? The different variables he tested were: usage types, distance, shielding and device model. We rented the RF meter from an online hobby store.
His conclusions were:
Usage Type (video streaming, texting, calling with and without speaker)
Maximum Radiation: Video Streaming
Minimum Radiation: Texting
Calling with speaker released more radiation than without speaker.
Distance (0cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm)
The farther the device was, the less radiation was received.
Shielding (plastic cover, tin box, aluminum foil)
Maximum Radiation: Plastic Cover
Minimum Radiation: Tin Box
Device Model (iPhone 4, iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone X)
The newer the model the more radiation was emitted from the cell phone.
Maximum Radiation: IPhone X (Newest Model)
Minimum Radiation: IPhone 4 (Oldest Model)
Lesson: Through this experiment he learnt that a cellular phone should be kept as far away as possible from the user even though that means the speaker needs to be on. He wishes he had tested Bluetooth too, so that we could have known if a Bluetooth emits less radiation than the speaker on at a distance. Also, a shielding should be used. He also would recommend cellular phone companies to think about the safeguards from the radiation level as they create newer models with more technology.
Arjun presented his science experiment at the Region 7 MS Science and Engineering Lower Fair at Ole Miss. His project won 2nd place in the category of Physics and Astronomy and also, he was awarded 2nd place for best project in Class I (1 – 3rd grade).
