PE to KE

This demonstration uses a glider on an air track to study conservation of energy. As the glider accelerates down the air track due to gravity, Potential Energy is Converted to Kinetic Energy. By tracking the glider's motion, calculations of the kinetic and potential energy can be done to show conservation of energy.

Setup:

Place the air track on a lab jack to create an incline. Connect the motion sensor to the Pasco interface. Connect the interface to the computer. Connect the demo computer to the projector system. Mount the motion sensor above the air track aligned with the sail on the glider using the ring stand. Open the Pasco data collection software and create graphs of position vs. time, and velocity vs. time.

Turn on the air track. Place the glider on the air track at a noted position. Start the data collection. Release the glider and let it move one meter down the track. Stop the data collection. Use the graphs to analyze and calculate the PE and KE to see if energy is conserved.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

• PHY 10111

• PHY 10310

• PHY 10410

• PHY 30210

Discussion and Polling Questions:

• What is the KE at the beginning of the motion? What is the PE?

  • • What about at the end of the motion?

• Is the total energy throughout the motion conserved?

  • • Where would it go if it wasn't?

Equipment Needed:

• Demo Computer or Laptop

• Air Track

• Pasco Interface

• Motion Sensor

• Glider with Sail

• Ring Stand

• Lab Jack or Block