Energy Ball

Energy Ball Report

During class we participated in group experiments. With the experiment, we were given an array of questions to answer. Making the energy ball work you must place two fingers on both of the metal contacts on the energy ball, being able to conduct electricity. This results in current that makes the ball flash and hum. This works because humans make pretty good electrical conductors.

There was one question that asked how to make one of two energy balls light up when one path of the circuit was broken. The solution is to make a parallel circuit instead of a series circuit. As you may know, there is a large difference between parallel and series. Before we learn about series and parallel we need to learn what a circuit is. Stated in the textbook, a circuit is ‘the path of electric current flow from and to the power supply’ (1). A simple circuit includes an energy source, a load and a conductor. These are pictures of the two types of circuits, series circuit and parallel.

(2)

(2)

In a series circuit, the loads are all connected with each other. Thus, when the circuit is opened all the loads stop working because they are all connected. In a series circuit, electricity has only one path on which to travel. Electricity flows from the battery to each bulb, one at a time, in the order they are wired to the circuit. In this case, because the electricity can only flow in one path, if one of the bulbs blew out, the other bulb would not be able to light up because the flow of electric current would have been interrupted. (4)The loads in a series circuit must share the available voltage. In addition, each load in a series circuit will use up some part of the voltage, leaving less for the next load in the circuit. This means that the light, heat, or sound given off by the device will be reduced. (3)

In a parallel circuit, electricity has more than one path on which to travel. In this case, because the electricity can flow in more than one path, if one of the bulbs blew out, the other bulb would still be able to light up because the flow of electricity to the broken bulb would not stop the flow of electricity to the good bulb.(4) In this circuit, the voltage is the same throughout. (3)

Why Energy Ball Does Not Work on Certain Individuals?

Although we could all effectively make the energy ball work, sometimes it is important to understand why it might not work. I think this is because like any conductive object, humans can store sizable quantities of electrical charge - the 'static electricity' that builds up on your body. Simply, at that moment some people could be more charged than others. Another cause could be something blocking the way of electricity to flow from the finger onto the metal contacts such as wearing gloves. The gloves in this situation act as an insulator which is ‘a material that doesn’t allow easy heat transfer between its molecules, or the easy transfer of electrons through it’ (1).

The conductor in our body is pure water. Pure water is an insulator by itself, however when dissolved with ions it becomes an insulator. Maybe with lack of water or dehydration can cause the energy ball to not work. (5)

Self-Reflection

Often I do not like working in groups because of depending on someone to do work. However, in this group lab I was able to work and participate freely in the group. In the group we all participated and freely communicated with one another. In the group I learned to communicate and cooperate with all the members of the group. During this experience I learnt a various amount of information. Usually I do not work hands-on in activities, however it was quite interesting and lots has been learned throughout the experiment. When working in the group I learned that my communication skills are absent and I did not communicate much in the group.

References:

(1)  Heimbecker, B. & Nowikow, I. (2001). Physics: Concepts and Connections. Toronto: Irwin Publishing Ltd.

(2)  Teach Engineering. (2008). [Diagram]. Paul Edermon. Retrieved February 8, 2012,          from http://www.teachengineering.org/view_activity.php?url=collection/duk_/activities/duk_eenergy_mem_act/duk_eenergy_mem_act.xml

(3)  United States. NASA SCI Files™. (2007). Circuits. Retrieval February 8, 2012, from http://scifiles.larc.nasa.gov/text/kids/Problem_Board/problems/electricity/circuits2.html

(4)  Ian. (2010). Difference Between. Retrieved February 9, 2012, from http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-series-and-parallel-circuits/

(5)  Calder, V. (2005). Water and Electrical Conductivity. Retrieval February 11, 2012, from http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen01/gen01755.htm