Blog 3: Energy Ball Experiment and Circuits

           On Friday, the class received a new hands-on experiment: We were given "ping-pong balls" that could light up and hum; the balls could do these two things if the circuit was completed. 12 questions were given to us to complete:


1. Can you make the energy ball work? What do you think makes the ball flash and hum?
Everyone in the group was able to make the energy ball work by touching both of the metals on the ball. The ball flashes and hums because we were completing the circuit or creating a closed circuit, which allowed the electrons to move constantly.

2. Why do you have to touch both metal contacts to make the ball work?
Both metal contacts have to be touched by the same person to make the ball work because the circuit has to be closed in order for the electrons to flow. If two people touch one metal contact each without linking their bodies in any way, (such as touching fingers) the ball wouldn't flash and hum.

3. Will the ball light up if you connect the contacts with any other material?
As long as the metal contacts are connected with conductors or semi-conductors and are enclosed in a complete circuit, the ball will flash and hum. Our group tested this out by using a 2 metal balls, which worked and a plastic pen, which did not work.

4. Which materials will make the energy ball work?
As stated before, conductors and semi-conductors would make the energy ball work. Metals would work the best because they have low resistance qualities and have high levels of electrical conductivity.

5. This ball does not work on certain individuals. What could cause this to happen?
This ball does not work on individuals with skins that are not moist enough. Dry skin is a poor conductor of electricity.

6. Can the ball work with 5-6 people or the entire class?
The ball flashes and hums with our whole group and the entire class as long as everyone kept physical contact. (As long as everyone was touching each other's pinkies)

7. What kind of circuit can you form with one energy ball?

With one energy ball, we could form a series circuit.

A schematic of a series circuit

8. Give two balls, can you create a circuit where both balls light up?

Our group joined with another group to experiment this; when we made a complete circuit both balls lit up.

9. What do you think will happen if one person lets go of the other person's hand and why?

If one person lets go of the other person's hand, the balls wouldn't flash and hum because it is a broken circuit.

10. Does it matter who lets go?

If anyone let's go, the circuit is broken so the ball will not work. So it does not matter who lets go.

11. Can you create a circuit where only one ball lights up?

Yes, you can create a circuit where only one ball lights up by creating a parallel circuit. If a person lets go, the flow would still continue, leaving one ball to work.

12. What is the minimum number of people required to complete this?

This question was not worded clearly, so it was confusing. The minimum number of people required to accomplish this would be 1. Each finger (4 in total) touch each metal contact and this would create a parallel circuit.

                                    

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Series and Parallel Series

          

                There are two kinds of circuits: series and parallel. In a series circuit, loads (such as a light bulb) are placed in a single path, whereas in a parallel circuit, they are placed side by side. If any part of the series circuit is disconnected or not connected properly, the circuit will not work. If a path is broken, in a parallel series, the current will stop flowing through there and will flow through other paths.