Here is a resource that is full of potential energy! Learners manipulate charged objects to convert electric potential to thermal energy using a savvy simulation. The resource includes a variety of charge settings and helpful potential and thermal energy meters.

Concepts

electric fields, potential energy, thermal energy, positive charges, negative charges, force diagrams

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the interactive as a guideline for NGSS model development to explain the relationship between electrical and thermal energy
• Ask pupils to record their observations of changes in potential energy based upon the type and strength of charge of the particles they test

Classroom Considerations

• Take a moment to discuss how electric potential is generated before having the class begin the activity

Pros

• Draggable charged objects give users more scenarios to investigate
• Diagrams forces and the visible magnetic field changes as users change the conditions

Cons

• None