Thrilling Experiments: Potential and Kinetic Energy

Script
EXPERIMENT #2: RELEASING POTENTIAL ENERGY
JUNE
Let’s move on to our next experiment. It deals with potential energy. Everything
has potential energy stored in it. The task is releasing it so that the energy can be
used as kinetic energy. In this experiment we are going to release the potential
energy of a peanut, turning it into kinetic energy so it can heat up water.
TONY
Peanut power! This sounds cool. What are we going to need?
JUNE
There is quite a list for this experiment. You will need a small bag of unsalted,
shelled peanuts, a cork, a needle, a large coffee can with the ends removed, a
small metal can like a soup can, a can opener, a hammer, a large nail, a metal BBQ
skewer, a thermometer, some matches or a lighter, and a cup of water.
TONY
Wow! That is a long list. This is getting better and better every minute. What do
we do, June?
JUNE
carefully push the eye of the needle into the end of the cork. Then push the pointed
end of the needle into the peanut. If you push too hard the peanut will break. It
helps to hold the peanut at an angle.
TONY
All right, I have my needle through the cork and peanut. What is next?
JUNE
Using the hammer, take the nail and punch holes around the bottom of the large
can.
TONY
Sort of like a chimney. Right?
JUNE
Yeah, exactly like a chimney. This will help focus the heat. Next remove the top end
of the small can. Using the hammer and nail, punch 2 holes near the top opposite
each other. Now slide the BBQ skewer through the holes on the small can. Fill the
can about half full with water. Let the water sit so that it is at room temperature.
Take the thermometer and take a reading of the water.
© Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC Thrilling Experiments: Potential and Kinetic Energy
49