Thermal Fan
| Physics, Engineering: | Heat Transfer, Seebeck Effect |
| Grade Range: | Middle School, High School |
| Format: | Hands-on |
This is a quirky little demo that students may have trouble understanding. Bring plenty of extra ice to keep the cold beaker cold, otherwise this demonstration may end early!
Materials
- Thermal Fan & Box
- Hot Plate
- Water
- Ice
- Two 250mL Beakers
Safety Precautions
Please read the General Safety Precautions section of the Demonstration Safety page before performing this demonstration.
Demonstration
- Fill a beaker with water and set it on the hot plate, then set the hot plate to the highest temperature setting. Fill the second beaker with ice and water, and set it on top of the Thermal Fan Box next to the hot plate.
- Once the water on the hot plate is near boiling, slide the beaker on the hot plate closer to the one on the box. Put a leg of the Thermal Fan in each beaker, and set it in gently. After 20-30 seconds, start nudging the fan blade to help it start to spin. It will start spinning on its own!
- Answer questions for students and provide a brief explanation for the demo to them. Keep adding ice to the ice water and water to the hot water so the fan can keep running.
Why This Works
COMING SOON
Additional Information
- Any extra tidbits that do not fit into other sections
- This demonstration is a part of the (insert Stage Show here)