{"activityType":[{"id":38377,"name":"Practical skills"}],"activityCategory":"Activity","completionTime":"30","cost":"\u00A3","energy":"Focusing","equipmentList":[{"id":38302,"name":"Microwave","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38295,"name":"Pens or pencils","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38356,"name":"A4 paper","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38352,"name":"Rulers","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":38289,"name":"Calculator or phone","description":"","type":"general"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Microwavable bowl","type":"specific"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Microwavable plate","type":"specific"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Heatproof worktop or surface protector ","type":"specific"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"Oven gloves ","type":"specific"},{"id":0,"name":null,"description":"110g or 120g bar of chocolate, enough for one per group ","type":"specific"}],"adjustments":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW64376657 BCX0\u0022\u003ETo make this activity easier, you could try the experiment using one chocolate bar and work out the equation as a whole group.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","firstProvidedBy":"","flexibilityStatement":"","groupSize":"Teams","guide":null,"meetsRequirements":[{"notes":null,"subRequirementsToQualify":0,"numberOfTimeToComplete":0,"subRequirements":null,"tips":null,"optional":false,"id":46207,"nodeName":null,"title":null,"type":"","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":null,"searchDescription":null,"subHeader":null,"browserTitle":null,"silktide":null,"canonicalUrl":null}],"countsTowardsBadges":[{"title":"Space","sections":["Scouts"],"supportedBy":null,"badgeType":{"id":39282,"name":"Activity"},"activityTypes":[],"settings":[],"browserTitle":"Scouts Space Activity Badge","url":"/scouts/activity-badges/space/","id":46205,"nodeName":"Space","type":"badge","image":{"url":"/media/4381/activity-sc-astronomer.png","caption":"Activity Sc Astronomer","type":"png","size":11366,"width":347,"height":350,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Space","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NjIwNSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/scouts/activity-badges/space/"}],"outcome":[{"id":38391,"name":"Try new things","outcomeLabel":"Try new things","outcomeDescription":"Find it easier to meet new people, go to new places, and do new things."},{"id":38408,"name":"Develop skills","outcomeLabel":"Develop skills","outcomeDescription":"Gain a range of practical and modern skills for school, work, and your social life."}],"preparation":null,"preparationTime":"15","reflection":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003EIn this activity, you had the opportunity to learn about the speed of light using chocolate. Can you remember anything about the speed of light, such as what it is? How did you measure it?\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRestRefresh CommentHighlightRest SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003EYou also tried to experiment with the speed of light. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003EMicrowaves are a type of electromagnetic wave, just like light, but with a longer wavelength. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003EWas your experiment successful? T\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003Ehe speed \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003Eof light is 299,792,458 m/s. How close did you get to the speed of light number? Why do you think it might be slightly di\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003Efferent? You might have had measurement errors or chocolate melting inconsistencies.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E Is there anything you would do differently next time?\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW233922922 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","relatedActivities":null,"setting":[{"id":38381,"name":"Indoors"},{"id":38378,"name":"Outdoors"}],"supportedBy":null,"takingItFurther":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW168119253 BCX0\u0022\u003ETry this experiment using different types of chocolate or cheese. Do different materials affect the accuracy of your results?\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","whoIsItFor":"","youthShapedGuidance":"","activityTags":null,"roles":[{"id":39240,"name":"Group Lead Volunteers"},{"id":38725,"name":"Young Leaders"},{"id":38724,"name":"Section Teams"},{"id":39231,"name":"Helpers"},{"id":83902,"name":"Scouts Section Teams"}],"sections":[{"name":"Scouts","id":39275,"logo":"","colour":null,"ageRange":""}],"themes":[{"id":40709,"name":"Physics"},{"id":45587,"name":"Astronomy"}],"searchEngineDescription":"Experiment with melting chocolate to learn about the speed of light.","plannerTimeSlot":40.000000,"safetyAlerts":[{"title":"Electrical equipment","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022TextRun SCXW210131062 BCX0\u0022 data-contrast=\u0022none\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW210131062 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body Text\u0022\u003EInspect \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW210131062 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body Text\u0022\u003Ecables\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW210131062 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body Text\u0022\u003E for any damage \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW210131062 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body Text\u0022\u003Ebefore\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW210131062 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body Text\u0022\u003E each use.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW210131062 BCX0\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Body Text\u0022\u003E A responsible adult should supervise people using equipment, and people should follow instructions on how to use them correctly and safely. They should be properly maintained and stored. Be extra cautious of trailing cables and water when using electric equipment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Science","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESupervise young people, and only do science activities that are advised and age appropriate for your section. Test activities first, to make sure you\u2019re confident you can lead them safely. \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EUse protective clothing where necessary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Cooking","alert":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ETeach young people how to use cooking equipment safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Make sure it\u2019s safe to use and follow manufacturers\u2019 guidelines for use.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"},{"title":"Food","alert":"\u003Cp\u003ERemember to check for allergies, eating problems, fasting or dietary requirements and adjust the recipe as needed. \u003Cspan\u003EMake sure you\u2019ve suitable areas for storing and preparing food and avoid cross contamination of different foods. Take a look at our\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/keeping-safe-at-camp/guidance-for-food-safety/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for food safety\u0022\u003Eguidance on food safety and hygiene\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E"}],"safetyAlert":"","safetyTags":[],"deliveryMethods":"","permitRequired":false,"scoutLedQualifications":[],"guidance":null,"aalaRequired":false,"externalQualifications":[],"exceptions":[],"listingVideoUrl":"","disableBasicSafetyChecklist":false,"likes":0,"activitiesAdditionalInfo":{"inclusivityStatement":"\u003Cp\u003EAll Scout activities should be \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/supporting-those-with-additional-needs-and-neurodiversity/reasonable-adjustments/badges-and-awards/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance on flexibility\u0022\u003Einclusive and accessible.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","standardSafetyAlert":"\u003Cp\u003EAll activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Lead Volunteers\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E, and have suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou must run your activities in line with the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003ESafeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card)\u003C/a\u003E and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/p\u003E","basicChecklist":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EComplete a \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHave the right \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/adult-to-young-people-ratios/\u0022 title=\u0022Adult to Young People ratios\u0022\u003Eratios\u003C/a\u003E of number of adults to provide suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESet up an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safe-scouting-and-emergency-procedures/\u0022 title=\u0022Safe Scouting and Emergency Procedures\u0022\u003EKnow what to do in an emergency\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EShare information with parents and carers with an\u003C/span\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/activity-information-form/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity information form\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eactivity information\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E form\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGet \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/approving-activities-guidance-for-lead-volunteers/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Lead Volunteers\u0022\u003Eapproval from your Lead Volunteer.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","scoutLedAvailable":"\u003Cp\u003EThis activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts:\u003C/p\u003E","permitRequired":"\u003Cp\u003EThe activity leader must have an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/activity-permit-scheme/adventurous-activity-permit-scheme/\u0022 title=\u0022Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme\u0022\u003Eadventurous activities permit\u003C/a\u003E with the right level and permissions for your group.\u003C/p\u003E","externallyLedAvailable":"\u003Cp\u003EYou can go to a centre or use an activity leader who\u0027s not part of Scouts:\u003C/p\u003E","aalaRequired":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/index.htm\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022AALA licence\u0022\u003EAn AALA licence is required\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","aalaExempt":"\u003Cp\u003EIf the provider is exempt from the AALA licence.\u003C/p\u003E","publicLiabilityInsurance":"\u003Cp\u003EThe provider must have public liability insurance.\u003C/p\u003E","actvityLink":"/activities/"},"duration":40,"instructions":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EBefore you begin\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EUse the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safety-checklist-cards/safety-checklists-for-team-members/\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Section Volunteers\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. There\u0027s also more guidance to help you carry out your \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E, including examples.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EDon\u2019t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EMake sure you\u2019ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you\u2019re short on helpers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ERemember to check for allergies, eating problems or dietary requirements and adjust the recipe as needed. Make sure you\u0027ve checked everyone\u0027s dietary requirements and allergies then adapted the recipe as appropriate. This may include ensuring no cross-contamination during food preparation, too.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ECheck if there\u2019re any items of food (or packaging) that people can\u2019t touch or be near to or if there\u2019re items that people might not be comfortable using in the activity.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ESome people may not like certain food textures or tastes and that\u2019s OK. Try to find an alternative for them. No-one has to use all the ingredients or be made to try foods if they\u2019re not happy, comfortable or don\u2019t want to.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Allergies and dietary requirements "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ERemember to have a hand washing station and take extra hygiene precautions when handling food.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ERead our guidance on \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/guidance-for-food-safety/further-learning/\u0022 title=\u0022Preparing and cooking of food\u0022\u003Efood preparation.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EMake sure you have all the ingredients ready.\u202F\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EYou may want to run a kitchen safety talk and show people how to use the equipment safely, such as for cooking or chopping ingredients. You could run our kitchen safety and\u202Fhygiene\u202Factivities, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/kitchen-risk-bingo/\u0022 title=\u0022Kitchen risk bingo\u0022\u003EKitchen risk bingo\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/home-kitchen-hygiene/\u0022 title=\u0022Home kitchen hygiene\u0022\u003EHome kitchen hygiene\u003C/a\u003E prior to running this session.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EDepending on your meeting place, you may wish for groups to prepare the chocolate in a wider, more spacious area, then invite each group into the kitchen to use the microwave one at a time. Remember the groups not using the kitchen will still need to be supervised, always following the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safeguarding-code-of-conduct-for-adults-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Using a kitchen and preparing to cook "}]}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EPlanning and setting up the activity\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember to give a safety briefing for the cooking equipment and methods you\u2019re using. You may wish to demonstrate the methods or activity before you all start cooking.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBe aware of anyone with Bluetooth medical devices, as being near to turned-on microwaves may cause interference.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemove the turnstile plate and wheels from the microwave and place them somewhere safe.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPlace a bowl upside down in the microwave to rest the plate on.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPut the pens, paper, ruler, calculator, chocolate bar and plate on a table, enough for one set per group.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure to have a heatproof surface to place the hot plate on, such as a worktop protector or trivet.\u003Cspan style=\u0022mso-spacerun: yes;\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThe speed of light\u2019s a universal physical constant that is exactly equal to 299,792,458 metres per second. This is approximately 186,000 miles per second. All forms of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, travel at the speed of light and nothing goes faster than it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EWhen you look at the stars in the night sky, you\u2019re seeing light that has travelled millions of miles through space to get to you, including our closest star, the Sun. The distance that sunlight needs to travel to get to Earth is huge. The distance is so large that it takes approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach Earth. If you were to travel the 93 million miles to the Sun, it\u2019d take you around 176 years to get there without stopping.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What is the speed of light?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EWhen looking at scientific calculations and equations, \u2018c\u2019 is the universal constant for light speed.\u003Cspan style=\u0022mso-spacerun: yes;\u0022\u003E\u00A0 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EAlbert Einstein\u2019s Theory of relativity unified energy, matter and the speed of light in the famous equation: E=mc\u00B2.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EFor this experiment, you\u2019ll be looking at calculating the speed of light using the following equation: c=^f.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EC = the speed of light\u003Cspan style=\u0022mso-spacerun: yes;\u0022\u003E\u00A0 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E^ = the wavelength of light\u003Cspan style=\u0022mso-spacerun: yes;\u0022\u003E\u00A0 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003Ef = the frequency at which the light wave moves (hertz)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EMost microwaves have a frequency of 2.45 gigahertz, which means that the microwaves inside the microwave move up and down 2.45 billion times per second.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EFor the purposes of this equation, 2.45 is represented by 2,450,000,000.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Calculating the speed of light"}]}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ERunning the activity\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EGather everyone together and ask if anyone knows what the speed of light is. Make sure to explain what it is, how it can be measured and how it can be tested. We\u2019ve included some information on this page that you can use.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EExplain that you\u2019ll be learning about the speed of light by melting chocolate. In groups, you\u2019ll be using the microwave to slightly melt their chocolate. Each group will then measure the spaces between the melted spots on the chocolate bar and complete the calculation to work out the speed of light.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EEveryone should get into groups, with each group at a different table.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EAsk each group to unwrap and place their chocolate bar on their plate. Make sure there\u2019s no metal or foil wrappers and no metal on the plate, as this metal can\u2019t go in the microwave.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThe group\u2019s who are waiting could be doing another supervised science activity.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThe first group should place their chocolate into the microwave. Ask them to place the plate on top of the up-turned bowl and run the microwave for 20 seconds.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EWhen the microwave stops, use the oven gloves to take the plate out of the microwave and place it on a heatproof surface.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EAsk everyone to look for melted spots on the chocolate bar.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EIf there are melted spots, they can take their chocolate bar back to their table.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EIf there are no melted spots, put it back in for another 20 seconds and repeat until there are melted spots, making sure not to burn the chocolate.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EAfter the group get back to their table, they should measure the distance between two of the melted spots. If there are more than two melted spots, take several measurements and find the average between the pairs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EExplain that the distance between melted spots is part of a microwave wave \u2013 it\u0027s half a wavelength. Scientists use this to figure out how fast light travels.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EMultiply your measurement by two to get the full wavelength and note this down.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ENow, use the formula: Speed of Light = Wavelength \u00D7 Frequency\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EConvert your wavelength from centimetres to metres (so divide by 100), then multiply by 2,450,000,000. The frequency of microwaves in most ovens is 2,450,000,000 Hz (or 2.45 GHz).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThe actual speed of light is 299,792,458 metres per second (m/s). How close was your result?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EAfter they\u2019ve finished their experiment, you could melt the chocolate and make hot chocolate spoons.\u003Cspan style=\u0022mso-spacerun: yes;\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"ownerAuthor":null,"porRules":null,"id":84735,"nodeName":"Calculate the speed of light","title":"Calculate the speed of light","type":"activity","image":{"url":"/media/19839/fdl-02-01.png?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db165cc7fc61d0","caption":"FDL 02 01","type":"png","size":15417,"width":1902,"height":1100,"altText":""},"assets":[],"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Calculate the speed of light","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"Experiment with melting chocolate to learn about the speed of light.","subHeader":"Experiment with melting chocolate to learn about the speed of light.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84NDczNSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/calculate-the-speed-of-light/"}