Toys & Gadgets Involving Thermodynamics & Electricity

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The discussion centers around finding resources and examples of toys that incorporate principles of thermodynamics or electricity. One mentioned site is scitoys.com, which provides information on various science-related toys. The light energy ball is highlighted as an intriguing toy that glows when touched, prompting curiosity about its mechanics. Additionally, a specific toy called "harbor putt-putt" boats is noted, which operates using steam generated from a small candle, demonstrating thermodynamic principles. The conversation emphasizes the educational value of these toys in illustrating scientific concepts.
franz32
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Hello everyone!

Does anyone know what sites show how to make toys that involve thermodynamics or electricity?

I know one, www.scitoys.com[/URL]

Or, does anyone know of any toy or gadget that interestingly uses thermodynamics or electircity?
 
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Thanks for that GREAT site! Unfortunately I do not know any other ones for you.

Cheers,
Freek Suyver.
 
Light energy ball

Hmmm, this time I thinking of something...

Does anyone know about the toy light energy ball? I find it very interesting but it seems not to be very easy as it seems.

It looks like a plastic ball with two metal contacts inside it. It glows when one touches the ball.

What makes me wonder is that how does the ball glow just by touching it? Speaking of which, does anyone know how to make one?
 
Originally posted by franz32
does anyone know of any toy or gadget that interestingly uses thermodynamics or electircity?

There are these old toys that are available through "American Science and Surplus"
www.sciplus.com

The toy is called something like "harbor putt-putt" boats. THey are small tin tugboats that run on a small votive candle that boils water in a chamber. LIttle bursts of steam are forced through the tail pipes and the boats motor around whatever body of water you got.

The same source has other things too, but these little boats are pretty cheap.
 
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