Glacial Heat

What’s Happening?

Inside the Glacial Heat, exists a supersaturated and super-cooled (below it’s freezing point) solution of sodium acetate and water.  This supersaturated solution was created by mixing the salt (sodium acetate) in hot water.  Hot liquid will dissolve more salt than a cold one. When this solution is cooled slowly, the salt stays in solution.

 A small, stainless steel, metal chip provides the “spark”. When the chip is squeezed, a small, single, solid salt molecule is created. This is the seed ,on which, the other salt crystals begin to form. The normal freezing point for sodium acetate is 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). The reaction occurs quickly, with heat being released and the liquid becomes solid (freezes). The heat being released is equal to the freezing point of the solution (54 degrees C). The sodium acetate (a salt) dissolving and freezing in the water is an example of a physical change.

How do I Teach With Glacial Heat?

Discuss physical and chemical properties:

Physical properties are observable (color, size, luster and smell) and also include characteristics, such as, freezing point, melting point, malleability, conductivity, volume, mass, weight and length.

Chemical properties are only observable during a chemical reaction and can include flammability or the ability to rust. In each of these examples, a new compound has been formed.

Discuss physical and chemical changes:

Physical changes include ice melting, molding clay, water evaporating, a coke freezing and sugar dissolving in water. In these examples, no chemical changes have occurred and the changes can be reversed.

Chemical changes include metal rusting, lighting a match, milk souring and the stomach digesting food. These changes are not easily reversed. The presence of light, color change, odor, gas production, heat or sound can indicate that a chemical change has taken place.

The Glacial Heat can be boiled (melted) for 7-10 minutes and reused over and over again.

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon enters and exits the earth’s atmosphere. Carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, and along with other gases, acts as a warming layer for Earth.  Without this layer of gases, the Earth would be too cold to sustain life.  There are many carbon cycle models and carbon cycle demonstration kits available to assist in the explanation of this process.  Below is a basic explanation of the carbon cycle.

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is released into the environment in many ways. Animals and plants respire, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  Animals release solid waste products into the soil and water. Also, leaves, roots, wood and dead animals decay. Finally, the burning of fossil fuels and wood release stored carbon into the atmosphere.

The carbon that is released into the environment, is used by many plants and animals. This is the part of the carbon cycle that removes carbon from the atmosphere. Plants and algae take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Many sea creatures take in carbon when making shells and bones. When these animals die and sink to the ocean floor, this carbon is stored for some time.

The Ocean’s Role

The majority of photosynthesis  occurs in the oceans by algae and phytoplankton. Also, due to the large surface area of the oceans , carbon dioxide diffuses in and out in an attempt to equalize.

Why are Photovoltaic Cells Black?

The dark color reduces the amount of photons reflected. Photons that are not absorbed by the panel cannot be used to produce electricity.

What are Photovoltaic Cells Made From?

Silicon is the major material in the cells. Pure silicon crystals are poor conductors of electricity. Other elements are added to the silicon, such as, phosphorus and boron. When the energy from the sun hits the cell, the electrons in the elements begin to move around. The sun causes the panel to have a positive and negative side. This electrical difference causes electrons to flow through a diode.

What Factors Affect the Production of a Solar Cell?

The factors that most affect the production of a solar cells are the angle of the panel in relation to the sun, the peak wattage, the light intensity and the hours of sun exposure.

How is Wattage (or Power) Calculated?

The formula for power is   Power=Current X Voltage. Power is measured in watts, current in amperes and voltage in volts.

The Solar Science Kit has a small motor, photovoltaic cell and disc that works well in demonstrating this in a classroom or home setting.