The Energy Stick

The “Energy Stick” or “Energy Tube” is an electric toy similar to an “Energy Ball.” The device is a clear plastic tube with metal foil loops on each end. When a conducting loop connects the two foil ends, a circuit is completed and current flows to activate the internal circuitry that flashes LEDs and makes a ghostly sound. The advantage of the energy stick is that its larger size allows for improved visibility in several key demonstrations. In this article I provide some examples of how to use this inexpensive toy for teaching the physics of electricity and modern physics.