Electrolyte Racers

Autor/inn/en	Kellie, Shawn; Kellie, Tonya; Corbin-Tipton, Elizabeth
Titel	Electrolyte Racers
Quelle	In: Science and Children, 44 (2006) 1, S.45-47 (3 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0036-8148
Schlagwörter	Travel; Fuels; Science Activities; Grade 5; Toys; Motor Vehicles; Electromechanical Technology; Comparative Analysis; Energy + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Travelling; Reisen; Reise; Treibstoff; School year 05; 5. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 05; Toy; Spielzeug; Motor vehicle; Kraftwagen; Elektrotechnik; Energie
Abstract	A fast way to teach investigative skills in science is to tie them to NASCAR using Hot Wheels Formula Fuelers Race Cars. These inexpensive toy cars travel different distances based on the strength of the "electrolyte" (a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water) in their "fuel" tanks. Advertisements for these race cars urge kids to try different types of liquids, such as soda, fruit juice, and barbecue sauce, because different liquids will affect the speed and distance the car will travel. What the commercials do not tell you is that the car is not actually consuming the liquid as a fuel. Instead, the tank is a plastic container with two small electrodes (devices that emit, control, or receive electricity) in the base. The electrodes are not connected to each other. In order for the circuit to be completed, the fuel tank must contain an electrolyte solution (common electrolytes are salt and vinegar solutions) to conduct the electricity. The more electrolytes in a solution, the faster and farther the car will go. This article presents a science activity that used these cars in comparing the strengths of different electrodes. This experiment helped students determine what substances conduct electricity when dissolved in water. (Contains 2 figures and 1 resource.) (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10