Introduction
See the energy in a battery expressed as heat! The bologna test lets you visualize it as heat.
Questions
- How do safety scientists and engineers solve problems?
- Can we see the energy in a single button cell battery?
Problem to be Solved
- Lithium-ion button batteries can cause severe injuries when swallowed.
- Can the energy in a button cell battery be seen?
Module
The Bologna Test
Age Group
Middle School
Category
Portable Electric Power
Completion Time
2 Class Periods
Summary of Lab
In small groups, students will place a piece of bologna on a noncombustible surface. They will place one dropper full of saline in the center of the meat slice, then place a button cell lithium-ion battery in the pool of saline on the bologna. Using a timer, they will observe what happens each minute for 10 minutes.