Energy & Work: Work
Develop understanding of the relationship between work and the change in kinetic energy.
Students easily visualize and calculate the work done on the cart by using the "area under the curve function". They then compare this work applied to the change in kinetic energy of the cart (change in velocity is measured with the motion sensor).
Lab Summary
Compare the work done on a cart to the change in its kinetic energy.
Theory
When work is done to an object it changes its kinetic energy. By knowing the force applied by the hanging mass and the distance traveled the amount of work can be calculated and verified by measuring the change in KE using the Motion Sensor.
Downloads
- Download Free Lab (PDF, 272 KB) (272 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use a Force Sensor to measure the force exerted on a GOcar and use a Motion Sensor to measure the change in motion of the Gocar due to the force. Compare the work done to the change in kinetic energy of the cart.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware
PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A) - $80
Accurately measures position, velocity, and acceleration of a target. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
PASPORT Force Sensor (PS-2104) - $110
Designed to measure both pulling and pushing forces. Uses range from collisions to tug-of-war. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Starter Dynamics Track (ME-9493) - $89
1.2 m aluminum track with a metal scale installed. This track does not come with end stops.
GOcar (ME-6951) - $35
A simple, low cost dynamics cart--for virtually friction-free motion on a dynamics track.
Super Pulley with Clamp (ME-9448B) - $29
Upgrade force tables and inclined planes with this pulley and clamp.
Ohaus Triple-Beam Balance (without Tare) (SE-8723) - $147
This Ohaus triple-beam mechanical balance (without tare) is accurate and easy to use. This balance has been a standard weighing instrument in student laboratories for decades.
Braided Physics String (SE-8050) - $22
This string is tough, resists stretching, and will not unravel. Provides 320 meters of string.
Lab Manual
This activity is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 35 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.
