Energy Ball Questions

Q1. Can you make the energy ball work? What do you think makes the ball flash and hum?
Yes, I can make the energy ball work. By placing two of my fingers on both of the metal contacts on the energy ball, I am able to conduct electricity. This works because humans make pretty good electrical conductors. The human body is mostly water, plus salts, minerals and whole bunch of other stuff that makes that water very conductive to electricity. The electricity in my body flows to my fingers and gets transferred onto the metal contacts which takes the charge to the battery, resulting in current that makes the ball flash and hum.
Q2. Why do you have to touch both metal contacts to make the ball work?
I have to touch both metal contacts to make the ball work because the electricity from both metal contacts (terminals) help the charges flow endlessly to complete the circuit.
Q3. Will the ball light up if you connect the contacts with any material?
No, the ball only works when the contacts connect to conductors that are charged. Not every material is a conductor.
Q4. Which materials will make the energy ball work? Test your hypothesis.
Materials that will make the energy ball work are called conductors. A conductor is a material that has free electrons that allow the flow of electric current. Conductors such as metals and humans would make the energy ball work. My group had tested our hypothesis by using the metal hose nozzles for gas by the sink and making that material come in contact with the energy ball. Sure enough, as soon as both the contacts of the energy ball came in contact with the metal it began to hum and flash, proving our hypothesis to be correct.
Q5. This ball does not work on certain individuals - what could cause this to happen?
Although we could all successfully make the energy ball work, sometimes it would be a stronger hum and flash on certain individuals and weaker on others. I think this happens because like any conductive object, humans can store sizable quantities of electrical charge - the 'static electricity' that builds up on your body when you walk across a carpet. Simply, at that moment some people could be more charged than others.
Another cause could be something blocking the way of electricity to flow from the finger onto the metal contacts such as wearing gloves. The gloves in this situation act as an insulator which is a substance that resists the flow of electric current.
Q6. Can you make the energy ball work with all 5-6 individuals in your group? Will it work with the entire class?
Yes, our group made the energy ball work. Two members would touch either of the contacts and we allowed electric flow by touching each other’s fingers.
Yes, it works with the entire class. This was proven when Mr. Chung had given the class the challenge to do so. Everyone connected with each other by touching fingers while two classmates touched the metal contacts of the energy ball. As soon as the circuit was complete, in other words, as soon as everyone was connected, the energy ball began to hum and flash.
Q7. What kind of a circuit can you form with one ball?
A series circuit is formed with one ball.
Q8. Given 2 balls: Can you create a circuit where both balls light up? (1/3)
Yes, we can create a circuit that lights up both balls using the same method mentioned in Q6.
Q9. What do you think will happen if one person lets go of another person's hand and why? (2/3)
If any person lets go, the circuit would be “opened” thus breaking the flow of electrons, meaning that the energy ball would not work. In a series circuit such as this, everyone must be connected to complete the circuit.
Q10. Does it matter who lets go? Try it. (3/3)
No, it does not matter who lets go. In a series circuit, it’s essential for everyone to be connected or else the circuit would be disrupted and the electric current would have to stop since there is no where for it to flow continuously.
Q11. Can you create a circuit where only one ball lights (both balls must be included in the circuit)? (1/2)
Yes, using a parallel circuit.
Q12. What is the minimum number of people required to complete this? (2/2)
The minimum number of people required to complete this is 4.