Aim: To investigate how energy can transform by using simple experiments. Follow the instructions given on each
sheet to identify how energy transforms from one form to another. Write your observations in the table below:
Experiment
Tuning fork
Chemical energy
Electrochemical
cell
Thermocouple
Sound cannon
Burning peanut
Heat of the sun
Twisting and
turning
Light and Bright
Spinning Spiral
Results/observations
Energy transformations
Tuning forks
Strike a tuning fork on the rubber stopper provided, and
places the end of the fork (the tines) into water in a shallow
dish.
Write down your observations in the table, and try to
explain the energy transformations which are occurring.
Remember to clean up the mess when you are finished.
N.B. Do not place the tuning fork near or on the ear, the vibrations are
powerful enough to burst an eardrum!
Chemical energy
Is there energy in an alka-seltzer?
Safety goggles must be worn for this activity!
 ¼ fill the film canister with water.
 Drop in half an alka-seltzer tablet and quickly put on the lid.
 Place upside down in the grey tray and STAND BACK!
 Take note of what you may see, or hear when this reaction takes place.
 Clean up all equipment (can be rinsed down the sink)
 Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.
Burning Peanuts!
Is there energy in food? Get ready to create
smoke and fire!
 Set up a test tube with 10 mls water in a retort stand, measure the temperature.
 Hold a peanut with a pair of tongs
 Light peanut and use it to heat the test tube until the peanut stops burning.
 Measure the temperature of the water now, to calculate the energy released.
 Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.
 Empty water from test tube and through peanut remains away.
The heat of the sun

Collect a magnifying glass and piece of brown paper and head to the
verandah.

Scorch the paper using the magnifying glass (don’t set anything else
on fire!)
 Don’t use the magnifying glass on white paper as the bright light could make
your eyes sore.
 Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.
Thermocouple
 Connect one length of nichrome wire and copper wire to an ammeter.
 Twist the ends of the wire together as shown
 Heat the join in a blue flame (use tongs to hold the wires)
 Read the meter to detect any electric current.
 Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.
 Be very careful as the wires
will become very hot!
Electrochemical cells
 Collect some zinc and copper plate
 Attach the plates to an voltmeter with wires
 Dip the metals into salt water (make sure plates don’t touch)
 Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the
energy transformations which are occurring.
Sound
Seal off the ends of the cardboard tube using thin paper, held in place with
rubber bands.
Punch a small hole in one end of the tube and hold that end near a candle flame.
Tap the other end and observe what happens.
Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.
Twists and turns
Select one of the toys provided and observe the action for a minute or two.
Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.
Light and Bright
Observe the radiometer, then turn on the light source.
Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.
Spinning spirals
Cut a spiral or coil out of the piece of paper and tie a string to the end of the spiral.
Hold the coil above the heat source.
Write down your observations in the table, and try to explain the energy
transformations which are occurring.