Energy Experiment with Popsicle Sticks

Presenter

• Stephen, Science interpreter at the Franklin Institute

Overview

Stephen demonstrates an experiment using energy with Popsicle sticks, also known as tongue depressors or craft sticks.

Materials

• Popsicle sticks (wooden)

Key Concepts

Elasticity

• Definition: Ability of a material to return to its original shape after being bent.
• Demonstration: Bending a Popsicle stick shows that it will return to its original shape upon release, illustrating elasticity.

Potential Energy

• Definition: Stored energy in an object due to its position or arrangement.
• Example: A bent Popsicle stick holds potential energy when bent because it is not yet moving.

Kinetic Energy

• Definition: Energy that an object possesses due to motion.
• Transformation: When the Popsicle stick is released, potential energy changes into kinetic energy, causing movement.

Experiment Steps

1. Cobra Weave:
   • Stephen mentions weaving Popsicle sticks together in a style known as "cobra weave."
   • Learned from an 8-year-old boy's YouTube video.
2. Holding Bent Sticks:
   • Instead of using hands, Popsicle sticks are used to hold each other in a bent position.
3. Release and Observe:
   • Removing one stick releases the tension.
   • Sticks snap back due to elasticity and potential energy transforms into kinetic energy.

Conclusion

• The Popsicle stick experiment effectively demonstrates the principles of elasticity, potential energy, and kinetic energy using simple materials. The demonstration shows the transition of stored energy into movement, highlighting key physics concepts.