Gino's Energy Lab

Practice versions of Handout 3.1.1 (Ball Bounce) and 3.1.2 (Energy Skate Park). Predict first, then run it and compare.

Drag the skater anywhere on the track to set the starting point, then press Play.

KineticPotentialThermalTotal

Track

Skater mass 60 kg

Friction None

Playback speed Normal

Height– Speed– KE– PE– Thermal– Total–

Check your predictions

Pick three spots on each track. Sketch the bar chart you expect at each, then drag the skater there and compare.
With friction on None, does the Total bar ever change? What does that tell you?
Double the mass. Which bars change? Does the skater go faster? (Hint: watch the Speed readout.)
Turn friction up. Where does the energy go, and does the Total bar change?

Practice questions on these labs are in the Energy Quiz under Class labs.