In groups of 5, we were expected to explain a strange occurrence; "why did energy ball began to flash and hum as fingers were placed on the metal contacts located on the side of the ball?". I was immediately intrigued.
1. Can you make the energy ball work? What do you think makes the ball flash and hum?
Placing two fingers on the metal contacts from the energy ball, a red light began to glow and an eerie buzzing noise started to sound. As our group looked more in depth and took a closer look at the strange phenomenon, we realized that a closed circuit is what makes the ball flash and hum. A battery must have already been provided within the ball and the only thing left to do was to connect the metal contacts in order for the electricity to flow.
2. Why do you have to touch both metal contacts to make the ball work?
By placing two fingers on both metal contacts, a closed circuit is created. The closed circuit allows the electricity to flow continuously, resulting in the flashing lights and the eerie hum.
3. Will the ball light up if you connect the contacts with any material?
Because our group has already established that the ball will only light up through a closed circuit, we already knew that the materials which connected the contacts must be able to conduct electricity. Often, water, metallic objects and so forth are great electricity conductors, on the other hand, materials such as fabric and paper (insulators) do not conduct electricity, hence the ball did not work when those materials were touching the metal contacts.
3. Will the ball light up if you connect the contacts with any material?
Because our group has already established that the ball will only light up through a closed circuit, we already knew that the materials which connected the contacts must be able to conduct electricity. Often, water, metallic objects and so forth are great electricity conductors, on the other hand, materials such as fabric and paper (insulators) do not conduct electricity, hence the ball did not work when those materials were touching the metal contacts.
4. Which materials will make the energy ball work? Test your hypothesis.
My hypothesis was correct, based on observations, only conductors (i.e metal) made the energy ball work and not insulators.
5. This ball does not work on certain individuals- what could cause this to happen?
The reason why the ball would not work on certain individuals is due to dry hands. I based my reasoning on the fact that the ball would not work if I merely used my nails to touch the metal contacts. I would hypothesize that the ball would not work on certain calloused or dry hands act because they act like insulators, similar to nails.
6. Can you make the energy ball work with all 5-6 individuals in your group? Will it work with the entire class?
Yes, the energy most certainly did work with all the individuals in my group as well as the whole class. As long as everyone was connected through something as small as a pinky, the circuit functioned
7. What kind of a circuit can you form with one energy ball?
A series circuit can be formed using one ball.
8. Given two balls (combine two groups), can you create a circuit where both balls light up?
As two groups, it was most certainly possible to make both balls light up in a circuit. Our 2 groups merged and formed a large series circuit. So we got into a circle and on one end of the circle we placed the energy ball between two people who had contact with the metal contacts and on the opposite side of the energy ball pair, we placed the other energy ball and did likewise.
9. What do you think will happen if one person lets go of the other person's hand and why?
The ball would stop working because, in a circuit, there has to be a continuous flow of electrons.
10. Does it matter who lets go? Try it.
No, it does not matter who lets go. As long as the series circuit is considered "open", there would be an insufficient flow of electron. However, if it was a parallel circuit then the person who lets go is very important. The wiring in a parallel circuit is much more complex and depending on who lets go, it could potentially result in a circuit that turns one ball on or both balls on.
10. Does it matter who lets go? Try it.
No, it does not matter who lets go. As long as the series circuit is considered "open", there would be an insufficient flow of electron. However, if it was a parallel circuit then the person who lets go is very important. The wiring in a parallel circuit is much more complex and depending on who lets go, it could potentially result in a circuit that turns one ball on or both balls on.
11. Can you create a circuit where only one ball lights (both balls must be included in the circuit).
It is very much possible to create a circuit with both balls and only lighting one of them up. We would make a circle and then make line right across the centre of the circle (across the centre; the diameter). With this extra line in the centre, we have basically made 2 circles. So, if we were to disconnect one of the people joining their hands on one side of the circle then the other ball would still be on. However if someone were to disconnect contact at the same area at which the diameter connects with the circle, both balls would still be on, but with if someone else disconnects, it would result in both balls being off. In essence, we would make a parallel circuit
In this picture below, imagine that the batter was in the centre and that the light bulbs were on either side of the circuit.
At any given location, one of the bulbs would still be on if you open up one of the sides so that there is no longer a circuit. The only location that would turn of both bulbs is if you open up the area at which the battery joins the larger conductor rectangle.
12. What is the minimum number of people required to complete this?
The minimum number of people needed to complete the parallel circuit is four.
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