Energy Transfer in Clocks: Kinetic to Gravitational & Elastic Potential Energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around energy transfers in mechanical clocks, specifically a pendulum clock and a spring-driven clock. Participants explore the types of energy involved, including kinetic, gravitational potential, and elastic potential energy, while considering the implications of sound energy and other forms of energy loss.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the energy transformations in the clocks, questioning whether sound energy should be included in their analyses. There is also consideration of heat generated by friction and the concept of waste energy in the context of energy transfers.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on what energy forms to consider for GCSE-level questions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the focus on mechanical energy conservation, while others express uncertainty about including waste energy in their responses.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of GCSE homework guidelines, which may influence their approach to discussing energy transfers and losses.

Ryanzmw
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Ok, so we've been set some pretty easy homework involving energy transfers e.g. Kinetic energy --> sound energy..

And in 1 of these questions it involves 2 clock which require no electricity to function the first is a pendulum clock with a cord where you lift up a weight which will slowly fall powering the clock. So here's what I put:
Kinetic energy--> Gravitational potential energy--> Kinetic energy.

The second clock has a coil which is tightened and as it slowly unravels it powers the clock. So here what I put:

Kinetic energy-->Elastic potential energy--> Kinetic energy.

Now here's my problem in these basic G.C.S.E. Transfer questions should I include Sound energy? (for the clock ticking.)

Would you of put the sane answers as me?
 
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For GCSE, I probably wouldn't consider sound energy, and just base it on mechanical energy conservation.

But actually, there is heat generated due to friction, at the hinges, friction due to air resistance also causes heat. And of course, there is sound energy loss. It might even have a very very very tiny electric energy loss/gain due to 'rubbing' with air molecules, and getting/losing electrons.
 
Infinitum said:
For GCSE, I probably wouldn't consider sound energy, and just base it on mechanical energy conservation.

But actually, there is heat generated due to friction, at the hinges, friction due to air resistance also causes heat. And of course, there is sound energy loss. It might even have a very very very tiny electric energy loss/gain due to 'rubbing' with air molecules, and getting/losing electrons.

But for energy transfers do you include waste energy?
 
Ryanzmw said:
But for energy transfers do you include waste energy?

As a general trend, assuming a friction free environment, and no air(no air=no tick-tock :wink:), basically, you cannot have any of the waste energy losses I listed. This is probably what your question asks for. Just pure KE and PE.
 
Yeah that's what I initially thought but then had some doubts. Thanks though. :)
 

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