Thermal Energy and Motion Energy Patrick McCafferty, Taylor Benton, Kelsey Clark, Ethan Schmits
How does adding thermal energy affect the live wire? Hypothesis: the wire will slowly straighten out to its original shape Conclusion: the wire unbent to its original shape (straight), but the more heat, or thermal energy, that was added the faster the wire uncoiled.
The Demonstration Materials: -live wire - water -tongs Procedure: -heat the water -twist the wire (do not knot) -using the tongs, place the wire into the hot water -observe!
What is happening? What transformations are happening in the experiment? -thermal energy is transferred into motion causing the wire to return to its original shape
Real World Applications This “live wire” is used in: Space, to move robot arms Greenhouses, to open doors when the temperature is too hot inside Braces, to straighten teeth
Conclusion Thermal energy can turn into motion