Energy Exchange

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In this activity, learners experiment with swinging paperclip-chain pendulums to explore what determines whether energy will transfer. Learners build a weighted paperclip pendulum, change the length of the chain to observe how swing time changes, then hang two pendulums from the same string and watch how motion transfers from one to the other. By comparing pendulums of the same and different lengths, learners investigate how energy moves through connected systems.

 

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Paperclips (same size paperclips)
  • Washers or binder clips
  • Yarn or string
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Two chairs or other items to attach with the yarn or string

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Potential and Kinetic Energy
    • Motion and Forces
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Wave Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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