Overview  

In this science project, our objective is to create an object that can show signs of energy transfer. The finished product should reflect our knowledge about energy transfer and be environmentally friendly. In this define and inquire document. I will be investigating successful presidents that demonstrate energy transfer to conclude what I should be creating. 

 

Success Criteria 

Firstly, to create a product that can show energy transfer, a success criterion is needed to ensure the quality of my final product. The requirements should be straightforward.  

  

-The product should be convenient to play/use.  

-The product should be environmentally friendly  

-The product should show energy transfer 

 

Energy transferring products. (A key switch)  

A product that shows signs of energy transfer is a mechanical key switch. It is a fitting example of potential and kinetic energy. Firstly, the gravitational potential energy is static. When the user applies kinetic energy to the switch, the spring will trigger the key to move downwards, resulting in a clicking noise being heard. When the button is released, the kinetic energy stored in the spring will cause the keycap to move upwards. To make this product more viable, we could make it very portable to carry it around and use it as a fidget toy. 

 

Picture of mechanical key switches 

More Pictures

 

 

Energy transferring products. (Fidget spinner) 

A second product that shows signs of energy transfer is a fidget spinner. A fidget spinner is used to relieve stress and procrastination. The spinner could help people focus and is used as a toy. This design fits our success criteria because it is a convenient toy, and it could be environmentally friendly with some modifications. The fidget spinner shows the energy transfer from kinetic energy to heat and friction.  

To begin with, the kinetic energy is applied to the fidget spinner as the user spins the spinner. Next, the kinetic energy slowly transfers to heat and friction because the bearing is rubbed on. As time moves on, kinetic energy will share most of its energy to friction and heat, resulting in a decrease in speed. Eventually, there will be no more kinetic energy, and the spinner will stop spinning. To meet both of our success criteria, we can make the product more environmentally friendly by using plastic residues to create the entire body of the fidget spinner. Furthermore, instead of using standard bearings, we can create a wooden bearing using fusion 360 to make our product more environmentally friendly. 

 

Fidget Spinner (Plastic) 

 

Energy transferring products. (Toy car) 

A third product that can show energy transfer is a toy car. The toy car is an excellent example of the energy transfer between kinetic energy to heat and friction. To begin with, the potential kinetic energy is transferred into kinetic energy when we push the car. When the car starts rolling, the kinetic energy will transform into heat and friction and eventually burn all the kinetic energy, and the vehicle will stop moving. Toy cars are exceedingly popular because they are very sensorily engaging. It teaches people how their actions can make something happen. To make this car more environmentally friendly, we could replace the vehicle’s plastic and use wood instead. 

 

Toy Car 

Lastly, a product that can show signs of energy transfer is a fidget cube, A fidget cube helps people to deal with stress when they feel overwhelmed. The fidget cube is a very convenient and handy toy because of its size and more importantly, it can show signs of energy transfer. The energy transfer involved in this is kinetic energy and gravitationally potential energy. Although this product seems simple and relatively easy compared to the presidents, it is extremely difficult to build because there are many sides to a fidget cube.

 

A fidget Cube