Powerhouse Model Activity Guide

Name: _________________________ Date: ______________

Objective:

To observe and understand how thermal energy from boiling water can be converted into mechanical energy using a simple model.

Materials (for Teacher Demonstration):

• Small heat-resistant container (e.g., soda can)
• Water
• Heat source (Bunsen burner or hot plate)
• Pinwheel or small fan blades on a skewer
• Stand/clamp to hold the pinwheel
• Safety goggles

Instructions:

1. Observe the Setup: Your teacher will set up a model with a container of water, a heat source, and a pinwheel placed near a steam outlet.
2. Initial Observations: Before heating, describe the state of the water and the pinwheel.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Heating Phase: Watch carefully as the water is heated.
   • What happens to the water as it heats up?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • What do you see coming out of the steam outlet?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
4. Steam Power: Observe what happens to the pinwheel when the steam comes into contact with it.
   • Describe the movement of the pinwheel. What causes this movement?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • What type of energy is the steam exhibiting?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
5. Energy Transformation: Based on your observations, trace the energy transformations in this model.
   • Start with the heat source and end with the pinwheel's movement.
   • Heat Source -> _______________ Energy -> _______________ Energy -> _______________ Energy
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Reflection Questions:

1. How does this simple model relate to how electricity is generated in a real power plant?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are some potential advantages of using steam to generate power?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are some potential disadvantages or safety concerns when working with steam and high temperatures?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Powerhouse Model Activity Answer Key

Objective:

To observe and understand how thermal energy from boiling water can be converted into mechanical energy using a simple model.

Instructions: (Teacher Demonstration)

1. Observe the Setup: Your teacher will set up a model with a container of water, a heat source, and a pinwheel placed near a steam outlet.

2. Initial Observations: Before heating, describe the state of the water and the pinwheel.

   • Answer: The water is liquid and still. The pinwheel is stationary.

3. Heating Phase: Watch carefully as the water is heated.

   • What happens to the water as it heats up?
     • Answer: The water gets hotter, eventually starts to boil, and turns into steam (water vapor).
   • What do you see coming out of the steam outlet?
     • Answer: Steam (visible as a white cloud, which is condensed water droplets) or hot, invisible water vapor.

4. Steam Power: Observe what happens to the pinwheel when the steam comes into contact with it.

   • Describe the movement of the pinwheel. What causes this movement?
     • Answer: The pinwheel starts to spin. The force of the expanding steam pushing against the blades causes the movement.
   • What type of energy is the steam exhibiting?
     • Answer: Kinetic energy (due to its movement) and thermal energy (it's hot).

5. Energy Transformation: Based on your observations, trace the energy transformations in this model.

   • Start with the heat source and end with the pinwheel's movement.
   • Heat Source -> Thermal Energy -> Kinetic (Steam) Energy -> Mechanical (Pinwheel) Energy

Reflection Questions:

1. How does this simple model relate to how electricity is generated in a real power plant?

   • Answer: In both the model and real power plants, heat is used to boil water and create high-pressure steam. This steam then pushes against a turbine (like our pinwheel), causing it to spin. In a power plant, this spinning turbine is connected to a generator that produces electricity. The core principle of converting thermal energy to mechanical energy via steam is the same.

2. What are some potential advantages of using steam to generate power?

   • Answer: Steam power can be generated from various heat sources (fossil fuels, nuclear, solar thermal, geothermal). It's a well-established technology, reliable, and can generate large amounts of electricity continuously. It's also versatile.

3. What are some potential disadvantages or safety concerns when working with steam and high temperatures?

   • Answer: Disadvantages include the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels (if that's the heat source), the need for large amounts of water for cooling, and thermal pollution. Safety concerns involve the high temperatures and pressures of steam, which can cause severe burns, and the need for robust equipment and safety protocols to prevent explosions or leaks.

Energy Transformation Warm-Up

Instructions: Think about a common everyday object or event and describe how energy is transformed from one form to another. For example, a light bulb transforms electrical energy into light and heat energy.

Your Example:

Object/Event:

Starting Energy Form:

Ending Energy Form(s):

Briefly describe the transformation:

Boiling Water Power Cool Down

Instructions: In your own words, summarize the main idea of today's lesson. What was the most interesting thing you learned or observed about converting thermal energy into mechanical energy?

Summary:

Most Interesting Takeaway: