How do we define a system and the interactions within the system?
I can identify a system in a given situation.
I can differentiate between an open and closed system.
I can describe the transfer of energy within a closed system.
I can describe the transfer of energy into and/or out of a system.
Does an object store energy in any of the following ways?
Can it be compressed or stretched? (Elastic Potential Energy) [Us ]
Can it change height within the gravitational field of a large body (typically Earth)? (Gravitational Potential Energy) [Ug]
As a mass, can it move within your system? (Kinetic)[K]
If yes, to any of these questions, include it in your system.
Does it have or will it have Ug ? Include the earth.
In the example to the right,
Can the spring be compressed? YES.
Can car change height in gravitational field? YES
Can the car move? YES
Can the ramp move, change height, or be stretched or compressed? NO
Draw diagrams to illustrate the initial, transition and final states of your system.
How to show motion of an object:
If an object is at rest, indicate with a single dot.
If an object is in motion use a single velocity vector to represent the motion.
For each of the systems below,
Discuss what objects should be part of the “system” of interest
Construct a labeled System Schema for the event and an initial, transition and final state diagram for the event if applicable. If an event diagram is not applicable, state why it is not applicable.
Be sure to include objects that were interacting during the change you observed. Does your system schema represent the interaction? If you think there are interactions with objects outside your “system”, include them and explain your thinking!
Compare the energies of the ball at the bottom of each ramp.