This teacher guide supports teachers in facilitating an investigation where students interact with bologna, a button cell battery, and a dropper of saline solution in order to observe energy transformations with a battery. In place of the investigation, students can also use a linked video to make their observations.
Through the bologna test, we can visualize some forms of energy transfer. You can replicate the bologna test or observe it through the video.
The bologna test is performed with a lithium primary cell, which is not rechargeable. Lithium primary cells are different from lithium-ion cells, which are rechargeable. However, you could expect a similar reaction from a lithium-ion battery.
If you decide to try it out for yourself, make sure to follow the proper procedure and safety guidelines outlined in the demonstration guide.
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