Energy & Work: Conservation of Energy

Conservation of Energy

Students will discover the conservation of the gravitational potential energy and the kinetic energy of the ball. Learn more

Roller Coaster

Measure the potential and kinetic energies for cars traveling over hills and even loops on this roller coaster track—and see that energy is conserved. Learn more

Determine the relationship between the kinetic energy and potential energy of a falling object.

Lab Summary:

Students will use a Motion Sensor to observe and investigate the law of conservation of energy. By controlling the height from which a ball is dropped, students will discover the conservation of the gravitational potential energy and the kinetic energy of the ball.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Computer-based lab (PDF, 584 KB)

Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 312 KB)

Method:

Use a Motion Sensor to measure the motion of a ball as it falls from a given height. Determine the object's GPE and the final KE. Compare the change in GPE to its final KE.

Here's What You Need:

Required for computer-based lab:

(See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)

 

Probeware

• PASPORT Motion Sensor (PS-2103A)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Clamp, Right Angle (SE-9444)
• Large Rod Base (ME-8735)
• Rod, 45 cm (18") Plated, 1/2" dia. (ME-8736)
• OHAUS Triple Beam Balance w/o Tare (SE-8723)
• Object: e.g., Styrofoam Ball, Foam Puck, Basketball

Lab Manual:

The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Physics (PS-2810). The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.

For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Computer-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
Xplorer GLX-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles

Replicate a Roller Coaster in your classroom!

• 3-Car Roller Coaster
• Quantitative Studies of Energy Conservation
• Easy to Change Track Configurations

Applications:

Conservation of Energy: Release the Mini Car and measure its velocity and height at several points along the track. Use these values to calculate total energy of the Mini Car. Frictional losses are less than 5%.

Constant Acceleration: Several straight inclined sections can be used to measure and demonstrate constantly accelerated motion.

Centripetal Acceleration: Use either the circular loop or clothoid loop to measure the maximum and minimum accelerations experienced by the Mini Car.

Projectile Motion/Conservation of Energy: Use the initial height of the Mini Car to determine its speed as it flies off the end of the track. Using this speed and height above the ground when it leaves the track, predict where the Mini Car will land.

Features:

Support Panels: Have a variety of track configuration holes predrilled for easy student assembly. Feature a dry erase surface so calculations can be performed at the point of interest on the track.

Mini Cars: Feature low-friction ball bearings and ABS construction to withstand repeated impacts. One red, one yellow and one green Mini Car included. Each car includes a slot for a supplied photogate flag, cup/mass holder and cup. The body of the car extends just far enough below the wheels to protect them should the car leave the track.

Ballast Mass: Can be added to mass tray of Mini Car or hidden under Mini Car to increase the energy without changing the car's outward appearance.

Flexible Track: Guides carts on their path, yet is flexible enough to form loops and hills, or can be rolled out flat on a table. Easily attaches to the support pegs using the twist-on track clips. Long pegs allow 2 tracks side-by-side for comparison.

Probeware Compatible: Threaded support pegs and Mini Car photogate flags allow photogates to be used at many positions around the track to measure velocity and acceleration.

18 experiment ideas included: The 20-page manual includes experiment suggestions with diagrams of setup configurations, including conservation of energy, collisions, loops and centripetal force, and much more.

Here's What You Need:

• Roller Coaster - Complete System (ME-9812)

To add measurement to your roller coaster system, we recommend the following:

• Smart Timer (ME-8930)

This is the most versatile stand-alone timer available. With the PASCO Smart Timer, quickly set up and capture time, speed, acceleration and count measurements. Two inputs for simple connection of two photogates or other PASCO timing/counting devices. Small, portable—an ideal way to capture measurements with this roller coaster system.

Includes:
• Smart Timer
• Picket Fences (2)
• 9-V AC adapter
• Lab Manual


• Photogate Head (ME-9498A) (requires 2)

These Photogates measure the velocity of the carts as they pass through the gate and break the beam. Use in a wide variety of other applications, including freefall, time-of-flight, initial velocity of a projectile, pendulum periods and much more.



• Photogate Brackets (ME-9806)

Use this bracket to mount the Photogate to PASCO Dynamics Tracks and the Roller Coaster track. Provides for esy height adjustment. Two brackets included.

 

 

Extend your system further with this optional accessory--collide your cart with this ballistic pendulum for a demonstration of conservation of energy and momentum in a collision.

• Ballistic Pendulum Accessory (ME-9845)