(STE) Science and Toys: Energy Module Overview

Science and Toys: Energy Module Overview

When you were younger you probably had a favorite toy. It might have been battery operated, spring operated or it could have plugged into a wall outlet, but it used some form of energy that made it work. Almost all modern toys rely on energy from an outside source and you will be looking at the different forms of energy that make toys function. Most of this energy is stored as potential energy in a battery or a spring or on the power grid, which is eventually released and converted into kinetic energy as the toy operates. You don't think about these energy transformations when you turn on the power, but they are occurring right in from of your eyes. In this module you will learn about different types of toys and machines and how it relates to energy.

Essential Questions

  • Where do toys/machines get their energy from and what do they do with it?
  • How do toys/machines gain potential energy and turn it into kinetic energy?
  • Why can't toys work without having to replace the batteries?

Key Terms

  1. Battery - A small cell that contains chemicals that create a charge when they react with one another.
  2. Chemical Potential Energy - Potential energy held in the chemical bonds of a substance.
  3. Combustion Reaction - A reaction that occurs between a fuel source and oxygen where water and carbon dioxide are produced.
  4. Elastic Potential Energy - Potential energy stored in elastic or compressive materials.
  5. Energy - The ability to do work.
  6. Kinetic Energy - The energy of motion.
  7. Magnetic Potential Energy - Potential energy stored in magnetic substances.
  8. Mechanical Energy - Energy involved with moving or displacing objects.
  9. Photoelectric Cell - A specialized metal contained in a cell that can convert sunlight into electrical energy.
  10. Potential Energy - Stored energy.

Formulas

Potential Energy (PE) = LaTeX: m\cdot g\cdot hm⋅g⋅h

Kinetic Energy (KE) = LaTeX: \frac{1}{2}mv^212mv2

Total Energy (TE) = LaTeX: KE+PEKE+PE

m = mass;  g = gravity;  h = height;  v = velocity

On Earth, gravity = 9.8 m/s2 and is considered constant.

 

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