Pre Lab
Directions/Description: In this lab we will be exploring the very important concept of the conservation of energy through analysis of a simple pendulum and a ramp. Specifically, we will look at two types of mechanical energy, potential (energy of position) and kinetic (energy of motion). For the pendulum we will analyze gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy. For the ramp we will add an aspect of elastic potential energy as well.
Conservation of energy is a physical law stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed. While many physics students are able to recite this law, few understand what it means or how it works. While energy is not created or destroyed, it can change form. This is what we will be exploring this week. Prior to this week's lab be sure to 1) Read the two energy labs, 2)Watch my Pre Lab video below, 3) Explore the simulation as described in the video, and 4) Complete the pre-lab quiz on Blackboard. |
Useful video explaining conservation of energy with some sample problems
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Pre Lab Video
Simulations
Explore the Energy simulations embedded or downloadable at the following links to see demonstrations of the conservation of energy.
Simulation 1: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/pendulum-lab/pendulum-lab_en.html
Simulation 2: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-skate-park
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Simulation 1: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/pendulum-lab/pendulum-lab_en.html
Simulation 2: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-skate-park
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Lab
This week you will be completing the Conservation of Energy: the Pendulum Lab (page 76) and the Conservation of Energy: the Ramp Lab (page 82) from your lab manual.
We will be using Pasco Capstone software with an Rotary Motion Sensor to conduct the pendulum lab.
We will be using Pasco Capstone software with an Rotary Motion Sensor to conduct the pendulum lab.
Post Lab
Please post a reflection on the lab experience on the Conservation of Energy Lab Reflection discussion board on the course Blackboard site.
Be sure to include (for both labs):
Be sure to include (for both labs):
- What you did
- Why you did it
- Any interesting observations
- What you learned from doing the lab