Energy Transformation Investigations

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Station A : Mystery toys

1. As a group, discuss how you think these toys work. You may use annotated diagrams or a sentence for each of your explanations.
2. Show in diagrams or other representations, the energy transformations that you think take place when each of these toys work.

Station B : Hand cranked generator

1. What did you discover about how the generator works?

2. a) What happened when you reversed the magnet?

b) What happened when you removed the magnet?

c) What do you think the magnet does?

3. Show the energy transformations you think took place as the generator operated the fan. Use a diagram or other method of representation.

Station C : A chemical battery

If you put two different metals into a solution of common salt (sodium chloride), an electric current is produced. The two metals in this experiment are zinc and copper. To detect the current you will have to use a micro ammeter or a galvanometer. The needle will move if there is current.

1. What changes, if any, did you observe in the solution when the circuit was set up?

2. Did the galvanometer needle move?

3. Did the globe light up?

4. What might you conclude about the size of the electric current produced?

5. Show the energy transformation(s) you think took place when the circuit was complete, in a diagram or other representation.


Station D : Pelton wheel

1. Was the Pelton wheel able to generate enough electricity to make the LED and the lamp operate?

2. What did you discover about the way the leads need to be connected for the LED and the lamp?

3. How do you think the Pelton wheel works?

4. Show the energy transformations you think took place when the Pelton wheel causes a light to go on, use a diagram or other representation.