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demonstrations:4_thermodynamics:4b_heat_and_the_first_law:lead_ball_and_plate:start

Lead Ball And Plate

Description

This demo consists only of a large, heavily dented lead plate and a lead ball, and is used with the infrared camera.

Purpose

Showing the conservation of energy, as evident in the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy. Often the phrase 'excess energy is dissipated as heat' can feel somewhat dismissive, this helps rectify that by showing it visually.

Apparatus

Setup

Focus the IR camera onto the lead plate, and slam the lead ball into the plate as hard as you safely can. The point of impact should be visibly warmer in the infrared due to the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy.

Notes

Lead is a toxic metal. Gloves are recommended. If you handle it bare-handed, wash your hands very thoroughly afterwards and avoid touching anything that may get near your mouth later on. Dermal contact is not toxic, but ingestion and inhalation most certainly is.

Demo room information

Location C1
Maker Unknown
Current State Working
demonstrations/4_thermodynamics/4b_heat_and_the_first_law/lead_ball_and_plate/start.txt · Last modified: 2020/03/13 20:58 by demoroom