Energy Change

This demonstration is used to discuss Conservation of Energy and how energy changes forms during motion. A flexible curve is used to create a u-shaped channel were a ball rolls. The curve is placed on an incline so that as the ball rolls, the potential energy changes to kinetic and back to potential. The curve can be molded into different shapes as well.

Setup:

Place the clear plastic board under the document camera at an incline using a block.

Bend the curve into the desired shape.

Place the ball at the top of the curve and release it.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

• PHYS 10111

• PHYS 10310

• PHYS 10410

• PHYS 30210

Discussion and Polling Questions:

• What are the components of energy in this system?

• What does each component look like over time?

• What does the total energy look like over time?

• Depending on the shape, do we predict we reach the same height, or a different one? What if the shape isn't symmetric? What if we used a different mass?

Equipment Needed:

• Plastic Board

• Wood Block or Lab Jack

• Flexible Curve

• Small Ball