Conservation of Energy on an Inclined Track

As the cart rolls freely up and then back down the track, mechanical energy changes form from kinetic energy to gravitational energy, and then back again.

Position and velocity of the cart are both graphed vs. time. Potential energy, kinetic energy, and total mechanical energy are then calculated and graphed for the entire motion.

Grade Level: CollegeHigh School

Subject: Physics

Student Files

Conservation of Energy on an Inclined Track 662.47 KB
Conservation of Energy on an Inclined Track 2.13 MB
Conservation of Energy on an Inclined Track 344.20 KB

Teacher Files

Sign In to your PASCO account to access teacher files and sample data.

Featured Equipment

550 Universal Physics System

Universal 550 Physics Experiment Bundle

This system provides a complete set of labs for mechanics, heat, light, sound, and electromagnetism.

Smart Cart (Blue)

Smart Cart (Blue)

The Smart Cart is the ultimate tool for your physics lab with built-in sensors that measure force, position, velocity, three axes of acceleration, and three axes of rotational velocity. U.S. Patent No. 10,481,173

Smart Cart (Red)

Smart Cart (Red)

The Smart Cart is the ultimate tool for your physics lab and includes built-in sensors for measuring force, position, velocity, three axes of acceleration, and three axes of rotational velocity. Patent No. 10481173

Support

Many lab activities can be conducted with our Wireless, PASPORT, or even ScienceWorkshop sensors and equipment. For assistance with substituting compatible instruments, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.

Copyright Disclaimer: Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 makes allowance for “fair use” for purposes of teaching, scholarship, education and research. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written consent of PASCO, is prohibited.