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The purpose of the ball drop lab is to figure out if all of the PE (potential energy) at the top is converted to KE (kinetic energy) at the bottom.
We know that energy can't be created or destroyed, most of the PE should be converted to KE. Accounting for some-loss from air resistance or human error.
Data:
Height dropped = 2.21m
Time took = 0.64s
Mass of ball = 0.057g
To figure out the PE all you need to do is multiply the mass of the ball, with the force of gravity, (9.8m/s) and the change in height. PE = mg * change in height.
0.057*9.8*2.12 = 1.2 J. PE = 1.2J
To figure out the KE you need the velocity. To find the velocity you divide. d/t = V. 2.21/0.64 = 3.3m/s v = 3.3
The KE = 1/2 mv^2. .31J = 1/2*0.057*3.3.
With PE = 1.2J and KE = 0.31J they don't equal each other. In order to have a more precise lab we constructed a 8m long 2m high hot wheels track to further see if most of the PE is converted into KE. After competeing the lab we figured out that the PE = 0.67 and the KE = .59. 88% was converted much better than before.
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