Energy Ball Activity Questions

1) Can you make the ball work? What do you think makes the ball flash and hum?
Yes, I can make the ball work by touching both metal contacts. The ball flashes and hums because my body completes the circuit.

2) Why do you have to touch both metal contacts to make the ball work?
You must touch both metal contacts in order to complete the circuit.

3) Will the ball light up if you connect the contacts with any material?
It will light up if you connect the contacts to anything that is conductive, e.g. anything metal. However it will not work if you connect it to an insulator, e.g. rubber.

4) Which materials will make the energy ball work? Test your hypothesis.
Anything that is a conductor will make the ball work, for example anything metal.

5) This ball doesn't work on certain individuals. What could cause this to happen?
I think it could be because of a deficiency in electrolytes, or severe dehydration, or even dry hands acting as insulators.

6) Can you make the energy ball work with all 5-6 individuals in your group? Will it work with the entire class?
Yes the energy ball works with everyone in the group and with the entire class. It's just that now the conductor is a bit longer.

7) What kind of circuit can you form with one energy ball?
A simple circuit with a battery, load, and a conductor going between the two.

8) Given 2 balls: Can you create a circuit where both balls light up? 1 of 3.
Yes you can create a series circuit with two balls.

9) What do you think will happen if one person lets go of the other person's hand? Why? 2 of 3.
Both of the balls will stop working because the circuit has been broken.

10) Does it matter who lets go? Try it.
No it doesn't matter who lets go because the circuit still gets broken regardless of who lets go.

11) Can you create a circuit where only one ball lights (both must be included in the circuit)? 1 of 2.
Yes, we can create a parallel circuit where the balls run parallel to each other. This type of circuit allows one ball to be switched off while the other is still working.

12) What is the minimum number of people required to complete this? 2 of 2.
It only takes one person to make a compound circuit with two balls, but the person would have to hold the balls in weird way with both of their hands.