Hopping Discs

DCS Code: 4A30.40 Last Updated: March 27, 2026
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Purpose

Bimetallic discs heated and inverted store elastic energy that is dramatically released as they cool, popping into the air. Demonstrates differential thermal expansion and energy conversion in a bistable mechanical system.

Six bimetallic discs on a crystallized reusable heat pad in a clear plastic case, with a second heat pad below and two small Educational Innovations logo discs to the right
Figure 1: Six bimetallic hopping discs on a reusable sodium acetate heat pad, with a second heat pad and two logo reference discs.