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Intro to Thermal EnergyActivity for Kids

Vibrating Molecules DIY

Duration: 15-20 min
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $0 to $5

Learn how to make a model that shows the way molecules move around!

Visit The Full Lesson Download Instructions as PDF

Material List

1Glass of WARM water
1Glass of COLD water
1Small tube of food coloring

Instructions

1Make sure one glass of water is very cold and the other is warm.
2Add 1 drop of food coloring into each glass (same color to each).
3Observe how long it takes for the food coloring molecules to vibrate around and spread throughout the water.

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How It Works

All atoms are constantly vibrating because they have thermal energy. Adding or removing thermal energy can change the state of matter. When you observe the food coloring in the two glasses, you’ll notice that the dye colors the water much faster when it is warm. This is because molecules that have more thermal energy vibrate around faster.