The Energy Ball

Looks can be deceiving as a simple, white ball that appears to be almost no different from a ping pong ball was, to my surprise, certainly more complicating than an air-filled, plastic ball. This ball is known as an energy ball and it demonstrates how a circuit works. This energy ball contains the batteries, as well as a flashing red light and a sound generator which produces a slightly irritating, one tone pitch. In order for this energy ball to function, it requires conductive matter or objects to close the circuit. Unexpectedly, just by touching one of the metal strips on the ball with one hand and the other metal strip with the opposite hand, it closed the circuit. Who would've thought that we would be able to conduct electricity and close the circuit? It was also possible to complete the circuit with other peers and even the whole class, as long as the circuit was closed by holding hands, or in our case, touching each other with our pinkies. Our group experimented with several other objects, using more than one energy ball, and different combinations of "circuit wiring." It was a fun and informational experience and a good opportunity to interact with other peers.

important terms: series and parallel circuits

question/comment/food for thought: In order for electrons to pass through the farther load (from the cell/battery/energy source) in a parallel circuit, it would take more time, right? I wonder... if the farther load was significanly distant (i.e.100 metres), would it be possible to see the difference of the further load lighting up slower than the closer one? Or would the speed still be undetectable to our eyes?