5K40.85 - Energy Conversion Demos

Code Number:
5K40.85
Demo Title:
Energy Conversion Demos
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Conversion of Energy from One Form to Another
Area of Study:
Electricity & Magnetism
Equipment:
Crank generator with lamp, Pulley (single), Masses (2 kg), Vertical rod, Bicycle Generator.
Procedure:

Video Credit: Jonathan M. Sullivan-Wood.

Setup is as indicated.  Be sure generator is clamped and that the string on the generator is in good shape as it must hold at least 6 Kg for a long time.  Once set up as shown a simple starting turn of the crank handle should start the demo in motion.

The radio will run by converting several different forms of energy to electricity.  It has built in solar cells (sunlight to electricity), and it also has a crank that can be used to wind a coil spring that will power an internal generator for several minutes (mechanical energy to electricity).

The peddle generator is set to have an output of 100 watts.  Approximately 70 watts of power is used for the light bulbs, with the other 30 watts used to energize the alternator field coil.  Since we are using an alternator we also need a 6 volt battery to energize the coil at startup.  Once the field coil is energized the battery is taken out of the circuit.  100 watts is approximately the average output of the human body.

References:
  • Jules Greenberg, "Quantitative Data from a Magneto Electric Generator", TPT, Vol. 13, # 4, Apr. 1975, p. 247.
  • Jay S. Huebner, "How Should Physicists, Biologists Work Together? The Harness the Hubris Debate Continues", Physics Today, December 1997.
  • Martin C. Sagendorf, "Energy Conversions", Physics Demonstration Apparatus, 2009, p. 29.
  • John L. Roeder, Actiivity 5, "Power of a Student", Teaching About Energy, p. 78.
  • Cash, Parker, and Taylor, 175 More Science Experiments, p. 58 - 59.
  • Ron Hipschman, "Pedal Generator", Exploratorium Cookbook III, 150.1 - 150.3.






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