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Why Power Packs?
Physics experiments often rely on multiple electrical components. You can find Ohmmeters, electromagnets, light emitting diodes, electronic motors and various circuits within a single experiment. Such elements create a load that can overwhelm conventional batteries. Power packs provide multiple advantages over batteries. They are designed to provide sustained power over a longer period with less chance of overheating or causing damage to your experiment. Power packs also provide the ability to recharge them, meaning you can reuse them for many experiments.
USB Power Packs
For a physics project with less than 12V demand, a USB power pack is a great choice. If your project involves simple circuits and no motorized components, this is likely the best choice for you. Power packs for portable mp3 devices or iPhones provide hours of low-voltage power in a form factor so slim you can usually store them in a wallet or pocket. They are also inexpensive, often cheaper than purchasing a single rechargeable battery and battery charger. The ability to plug them into a USB port is an added convenience in environments where computers occupy all the power outlets.
Power Tool and Utility Power Packs
For a physics experiment which involves high power demand, power tool portable packs can be a good fit. If you are utilizing multiple small DC motors, or a single large one, conventional electronics batteries will not meet your needs. While a car battery can function for such a task, even the safest ones utilize dangerous chemicals that can explode. The power packs from portable drills, saws or utility devices like brooms or vacuum cleaners provide enough storage capability to sustain a demanding experiment for an hour or more before recharging, without the risks of utilizing a chemical battery.
Home Made Power Packs
Some science projects have power needs that fall between the ranges that off-the-shelf hand-held power supplies and standard battery cells provide. For these projects, you can either mix and match batteries, complicate your project with resistors or transformers, or create something from scratch. The option to craft a homemade power pack is good because you can tailor your power supply to your needs using rechargeable cells and a recharging mechanism. If you add a solar or mechanical charging means to the power supply, you can make your portable pack a part of the project.