Problem involvining Kinetic and gravitational potential energy

[hraklis_1]

Hello. I'm in gr.11 physics, and we are currently working on Kinetic and gravitational potential energy. We have been asked to create a procedure which shows how gravitational potential energy is turned into kinetic energy(afterwards we will do calculations and such showing the relationshi). We are going to an ice rink to do this (to reduce friction i presume). So far, I have come up with a simple experiment of using a ramp, and dropping the ball down it. The ball starts at the top, having full potential energy, and when it begins to move it gains kinetic energy. However, i was wondering if anyone else could suggest some other ideas on ways i can go about showing this (I have the ramp idea, but are there any other better ways?). Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Pengwuino]

heh, the ramp thing is practically in every textbook I've ever seen. Its pretty hard to go far from that as far as i can tell because all there really is to look at is PE and KE. The only way to show gravitational PE is to put an object in the air and the only way to show KE is to let that object move (presumably, straight down or onto a ramp to change direction)

 

[quicknote]

Hello there,

Your idea of using a ramp to demonstrate the conversion of gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy is a good start. However, there are other ways to show this concept as well. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Pendulum Experiment: You can set up a simple pendulum using a mass attached to a string and swinging it back and forth. At the highest point of the swing, the mass has the most potential energy, which is then converted into kinetic energy as it swings down.

2. Roller Coaster Simulation: You can create a simulation of a roller coaster using a track and a small cart. As the cart moves up the track, it gains potential energy, and as it moves down the track, it converts that potential energy into kinetic energy.

3. Bouncing Ball: You can use a bouncy ball and a measuring tape to demonstrate the conversion of energy. Start by dropping the ball from a certain height and measuring how high it bounces. Then, drop it from a higher height and measure the bounce again. The higher the drop, the more potential energy the ball has, and the higher it will bounce, demonstrating the conversion of energy.

4. Pulley System: Set up a simple pulley system with a weight on one end and a light object on the other end. As you lift the weight, it gains potential energy, and as you release it, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the weight falls.

I hope these ideas help to expand your experiment and make it more interesting and informative. Good luck with your project!