What is Happening with These Shadow Bubbles?

NGSS Phenomena: In a cup, we see dark bubbles rising up and slowly floating toward the top of the glass.

In the above gif, we see a solid that's been placed in water. While you observe this and answer the questions that follow, think about how we can test whether there's thermal energy being transferred.

1. If the mass at the bottom of this glass changes from the beginning to the end of the experiment, how would that help to determine that there was a transfer of energy?

If there's less mass at the end, some of the mass could have changed phase.
If the mass is the same at the beginning and the end, thermal energy was not transferred.
If there's more mass at the end, the volume may have changed.
If the mass is the same at the beginning and the end, thermal energy was transferred.

2. If we're looking to measure the change in thermal energy over time, thermal energy is the and time is the .

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dependent variable

independent variable

3. If we're investigating a transfer of thermal energy, it would be easiest to see this through a .

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change in the average kinetic energy of particles

change in the state of matter

change in mass of the matter

change in the volume of the matter

4. If you were planning an investigation of a transfer of thermal energy, what data would need to be collected to provide evidence?

5. If you were looking to gather evidence of a transfer of thermal energy, explain how you'd measure a change in the mass of this substance and in what units.

6. One of your classmates makes the following claim:

"If we find a change in the kinetic energy of the matter, then there was a transfer of thermal energy."

Evaluate this statement and provide evidence to explain why you agree or disagree.

7. Explain how and when you would measure the temperature of this system to tell whether or not there had been a transfer of thermal energy. Be very specific with your directions.

8. Your classmate Sharon says, “The substance in the gif is bubbling because its kinetic energy is increasing.” Describe how you could investigate her claim, including the types of measurements you would need to make. In your response, include an explanation for why the mass of the substance may affect the results of your investigation.

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This multiple choice question aligns to the following standards

MS-PS3-4
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer

This matching question aligns to the following standards

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
MS-PS3-4

This matching question aligns to the following standards

PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
MS-PS3-4