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

potential
work
simple machine

Materials Needed

toy cars
ramps
string
weights
tape

Safety First

Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.
Handle glass items carefully to avoid breakage.
Do not mix unknown chemicals together.

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?