So That’s Physics GSCI 1014

First Name __________________

Aysun Last name __________________
Akinci

Title
Dropper popper - a lab activity on transformation of energy

Materials
• A dropper popper
• A meter stick if you have one ( not mandatory)

Procedure

1. Start by flipping the dropper popper inside out a few times - this is done to
transport heat/kinetic energy to the dropper popper beforehand
2. Make sure your dropper popper is inside out before you drop it
3. If you have a meter stick, stand it up right and drop it from the top of the stick, if
not stand by a table and drop the dropper popper from shoulder height
4. Once you've finished the experiment fill out the data table with the found
information

Result

When the dropper popper was dropped at

a height of 100 Cm ( 1 meter ) the ball’s
Height of the drop Height of the bounce Height gained
initial bound off the ground nearly
doubled in height!
Dropper popper
100cm 197cm 97cm

Conclusions
 Due to the unique shape of the popper when you Invert it from its original
shape it creates an energy that will pop it up into the sky. This experiment
shows us the transformation of energy in the form of gained height. With
the transfer of energy you give the dropper popper after flipping it in and out
a few times, paired with dropping it at a certain height you give the dropper
popper a certain type of energy that allows it to not only bounce back, but to
bounce up past the original height you dropped it at.

1. What is the heat source (or sources) for the room and how does this heat flow into the room? What heat flow
mechanisms are involved? (Richie Kelly)

The heat source in this room is from body heat and heat from electronics (such as laptops). The way that heat is released
from one’s body is by radiation. The human body absorbs and discharges/emits electromagnetic waves after absorbing
them. This is how the body exchanges heat with surrounding bodies and considering there is more than one person in the
room, more heat is exchanged. Concerning the electronic devices such as our laptops and phones, our laptops (when
turned on), has electricity flowing through the device creating heat. Since laptops contain copper wires, copper is a good
conductor of heat which means that the heat flows through the laptop a lot. Since laptops have fans inside with space for
the heat to leave the laptop so the device doesn’t overheat and explode, the heat is obviously going to flow into the air
around us. Our cellphones are the same. They also contain copper wires that conduct heat due to electricity flowing
through the wires when the phone is turned on and being used. However, phones do not have an efficient way of letting
the heat out like a laptop does although phones do not create nearly as much heat since they don’t require as much
energy. Therefore, our phones do not produce as much heat as laptops do but they still are a part of heat that may enter
the room.
 2. How is heat lost from the room? What heat flow mechanisms are involved? (Pamela Campos)

Heat can be lost from the room through several heat flow mechanisms such as:

a. Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without the

material itself moving.
Heat loss due to conduction occurs when heat flows through solid materials such as walls, windows, and doors.
Materials with poor insulation properties conduct heat more easily.
b. Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas). It involves the
circulation of the fluid due to temperature differences.
Heat loss due to convection occurs when warm air rises and is replaced by cooler air, creating a continuous cycle of
heat transfer. Air movement within the room, like drafts or airflow around windows and doors, can carry heat away.
c. Radiation: Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves (infrared radiation). Unlike
conduction and convection, radiation does not require a medium.
Heat loss due to radiation occurs when heat is emitted in the form of infrared radiation from warmer objects and
surfaces within a room. Cold surfaces can absorb heat, leading to heat loss.
d. Ventilation: Ventilation is the process of exchanging air between the inside and outside of an enclosed space, such as
a building or room. It’s primary purpose is to ensure a continuous flow of fresh outdoor air into the indoor
environment while removing stale or polluted indoor air.
Heat loss due to ventilation occurs when indoor air, which has been heated, is intentionally or unintentionally
exchanged with outdoor air. When you open windows, doors, or use mechanical ventilation systems, you allow indoor
air to escape, and it’s replaced by outdoor air.

C. What can be done to reduce heat loss or otherwise improve the energy efficiency of the room? (Ayeni Kehinde
Matthew)

1. Insulation
Insulating your home is one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills and make your house warmer and more
comfortable. Warm air can escape from your home in all directions – including the roof, walls, floor, windows and doors
– meaning lots of the energy you pay for can go to waste. There are grants available from some energy suppliers under a
scheme called the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). You must meet certain criteria to qualify and more information is
available from suppliers' websites.

2. Chimneys
Unused chimneys are another common way for heat to escape. If you still use your chimney, then a removable chimney
balloon can be used to prevent excess heat being lost at times you don't have the fire on. If you don't use your chimney at
all, consider having it capped by a professional.
Draught-proofing strips work well around windows. Draughts can also emerge from cracks between the window frames
and the surrounding walls. If this is the case, try using either sealant or putty to close up the gaps.
3. Doors
Draught-proofing strips are also useful between doors and their frames, both internally as well as externally. For gaps
between the bottom of the door and the floor, you can buy a special 'brush' or hinged flap draught excluder. To stop
draughts in between a door's bottom and the floor, you can buy a draught excluder with a brush or hinged flap.