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Date
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Modeling Volcanoes
Introduction:
Volcanoes are weak spots in the earth's crust where material from Earth's mantle
comes to the surface of Earth. The material released by volcanoes is known as magma when
it is below Earth's crust and lava once it reaches the surface . This material (magma or lava)
comes to the surface as a result of energy transfers that occur inside the earth. When
volcanoes erupt, the lava, rocks, ash, and gases released cause physical and chemical
changes to the surrounding rocks, landscape, and air as the heat and mechanical energy they
contain is transferred.
Earth's core is estimated to be 5000°-7000° C. Heat energy from the core is transferred
to the mantle, causing the magma in the mantle to become less dense and rise. Some of the
heat energy of the magma changes to mechanical energy as it rises towards the earth's crust.
If there is enough pressure from heat and mechanical energy of the rising magma, it may be
pushed through a volcano and out onto the surface of Earth. When volcanoes erupt some of
the heat energy of the magma is converted to light energy and some of its mechanical energy
is converted to sound energy. When lava comes in contact with Earth's surface, gravitational
energy and mechanical energy continue to move it. Mechanical energy can also cause ash,
rocks, and gases to shoot up into the air and enter the atmosphere. Some of the heat energy
is transferred to nearby rocks, causing chemical changes. Some of the heat energy is
transferred to nearby plants and animals causing death and fires. The diagram below shows
the energy transfers involved in volcanic eruptions.
Heat energy is transferred from the core to
magma in the mantle.
As heat energy is absorbed by the
mantle, the mantle material becomes
less dense and rises. Some of the
heat energy is converted to mechanical
energy which moves the magma.
As magma rises it is pushed out of volcanoes
by mechanical energy and pressure.
When volcanoes erupt mechanical energy
sends gases, rock, and ash into the air and
moves the lava. Some mechanical energy
is converted to sound. Some heat energy is
converted to light.
Some heat energy is
transferred to nearby rocks, plants, and
animals causing fire and death.
In this lab you are building a model of a volcano. You will decide what materials to use
to make the volcano. Your volcano should resemble a real volcano in at least three ways.
Your model will be used to demonstrate how energy is transferred from earth's interior to its
surface as well as how this energy changes Earth's surface.
Safety Precautions: Wear goggles when handling chemicals.
Directions:
1. Circle the materials that you plan to use in the possible materials list below. The required
materials are needed to make your volcano erupt and will be provided by your teacher.
2. Add any other materials that you plan to use to the list.
3. Record the procedures for building your volcano as you build it in the procedures section
below.
4. Follow the directions for making the eruption material and make your volcano erupt 1-2
times.
5. Complete the analysis questions.
Possible Materials: textbooks, pie tins(for building model in and collecting eruption), 50 mL
erlenmeyer flasks (for volcano tubes), small rocks/gravel, sand, clay, sugar, and/or dirt for earth
materials, monopoly houses, small figurines
Required Materials: vinegar, baking soda, water, spatulas, graduated cylinders, safety
goggles
Procedures:
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Making the eruption materials:
1.
In a small beaker mix 2 spatulas of baking soda with 20mL of water.
2.
Measure 20mL of vinegar in another small beaker.
3.
Pour the baking soda and water solution into your volcano.
4.
Add the vinegar to your volcano.
Observations & Results:
5.
Draw a picture of your volcano before it erupts.
6.
Draw a picture of your experiment as the “volcano” erupts. Show where the “lava”
goes.
7.
Draw another picture of your experiment after the “volcano” stops erupting. Note
any changes to the surface of the land in your model.
Analysis Questions:
8.
Label the types of energy involved in each of the steps of a volcanic eruption below.
_____________ energy is transferred from the
core to magma in the mantle.
As heat energy is absorbed by the mantle,
the mantle material becomes less dense and
rises. Some of the heat energy is converted
to _____________ energy which moves the magma.
As magma rises it is pushed out of volcanoes
by _____________ energy and pressure.
boom!!!!
When volcanoes erupt mechanical
energy sends gases, rock, and ash
into the air and moves the lava.
Some mechanical energy is converted
to _____________.
Some _____________ energy is transferred
to nearby rocks, plants, and animals
causing fire and death.
9.
Describe three types of destruction volcanic eruptions can cause.
10.
What types of energy cause volcanic eruptions?
11.
In what ways does your model resemble a real volcano?
12.
In what ways is your model different than a real volcano?
Conclusion: