Applied Science - Physics (2B)
Post Lab 

   
OBJECTIVES:
  • Exploring forms of  energy.
  • Discovering sources of energy.

VOCABULARY:

  • chemical
  • electrical
  • heat
  • nuclear
MATERIALS:

Students explore different types of energy.

BACKGROUND:

Energy takes on different forms. Students have learned about some forms of energy. Below is information on 3 other types of energy generating processes.

HEAT ENERGY - Energy that produces heat is due mainly to electricity and gas. Many items can cause heat energy. Examples are gas stoves, water heaters, and gas heat for many homes.

NUCLEAR ENERGY - The inside of matter (atoms and molecules) are held together by "glue". When this glue is broken or added to, an enormous amount of energy is created. Discuss nuclear bombs or nuclear reactors. Nuclear bombs are created when atoms split (fission) or when atoms come together (fusion). The energy of an atom is the greatest way to generate energy. However, the release of some of the energy can be very harmful. Nuclear reactors control the release of nuclear energy for use in society.

CHEMICAL ENERGY - Chemical Energy is caused when two chemicals react when combined. Show students the baking soda and vinegar reaction. This is the release of chemical energy. Another good example is a battery. Energy is released because the chemicals inside are reacting to produce electrons needed to create electricity.

PROCEDURE:

  1. The worksheet instructs students to draw an example of nuclear, heat, and chemical energy. They can only do this exercise if you discuss the above material. This may be a homework assignment.
      
  2. Ask students to name a few items that produce heat. Energy created by electricity includes electric blankets, hair driers, and electric stoves. Gas, when on fire, releases heat.
      
  3. Have students rub their hands together to produce heat. This is caused by friction. Friction does not usually generate enough energy to be useful to a city, but can cause trouble if an engine overheats. Oil is needed to prevent metal from rubbing together. This reduces the friction.
      
  4. If you want to illustrate a chemical reaction, use vinegar and baking soda. When you put a small amount of baking soda (about 1 ml) and then put a few drops of vinegar. You will produce a "fizz" of carbon dioxide gas being released.
  5. Sing the song "Electricity" with students.  It contains a lot of good information.  AC refers to alternating current, and DC refers to direct current.  This concepts is revisited in later grades.  
    ELECTRICITY

    Electricity,AC Electricity DC
    A wonderful kind of energy
    That’s electricity Si Si
    It’s the kind of energy, you can change so easily
    You can change it into heat in a heater
    Change it into light in a lamp
    Change it into motion in a motor
    Change it into sound in a phone

    Electricity, AC Electricity, DC
    A wonderful kind of energy
    That’s electricity Si Si
    It’s the kind of energy, we produce so easily
    You can make it with a steam or water turbine
    Make it when a generator turns
    Make it with a simple storage battery
    Make it with a photo electric cell

    Electricity EEE Electricity
    A wonderful kind of energy
    That’s electricity
    How would modern living be, without electricity

    It would be terribly inconvenient to say the least
    Can you imagine what living would be without
    electric lights, bells and clocks, heaters and refrigerators
    vacuum cleaners, washers, dryers, freezers, fans and elevators
    radios and tv sets, hi fi phonographs
    motion pictures, x rays, and the telephone and telegraph
    electric motors and machines,
    for home, and farm and industry,
    Our modern world is resting on electricity

    It’s essential in today’s transportation
    Vial if you want light and heat
    Necessary in communication
    Indispensable mechanically
    Electricity, AC Electricity, DC
    A wonderful kind of energy
    That’s electricity

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