PASCO
 
MAIN PROCEDURE
In this experiment, students will develop a relationship between kinetic and potential energy.
    1. List and describe all of the different energies. What are the units for these energies?
    1. Hold the cart 15 cm from the Motion Sensor.
    2. Press the Start button in DataStudio. Simultaneously allow the cart to roll down the incline.
    3. The computer will automatically stop collecting data.
    4. If the release of the cart and the collection of data by the motion sensor are not synchronized, click the "Experiment" menu and select "Delete all data runs."
    5. Repeat steps 1-4 until the procedure is mastered.
    1. Describe the changes in the different energies as the cart rolls down the track.
    2. Make a hypothesis, in words, relating kinetic and gravitational potential energy.
    DataStudio
    1. Return to DataStudio. Minimize the previous "KE & GPE" graph. Restore and observe the "KE & GPE & TE" graph. What does the new line represent?
    2. Does your hypothesis need changing? If so, restate your hypothesis.
    3. How would the KE, GPE, and TE graphs change if the cart was half of its original mass?
    4. How would the KE, GPE, and TE graphs change if the height of the incline doubled?
    5. How can you account for the small amount of "lost" energy as the cart rolls down the incline?
    6. Describe the changes in energy if the cart ran into a compressible spring at the bottom of the track.