Energy Transformations

What You'll Learn

Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can be replenished naturally. Nonrenewable sources like fossil fuels take millions of years to form.

Key Words

energy
kinetic
potential

Materials Needed

tape
ruler
cardboard
marbles
paper clips

Safety First

Tie back long hair before starting the experiment.
Protect your work surface with newspaper or plastic.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on Forces before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Build a simple motor using a battery, magnet, wire, and paper clip supports. Observe how electromagnetic forces create rotation.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is momentum?