Lab Assignment 5: Energy
Instructor’s Overview
Energy is a key concept in physics. In this lab we will explore the concepts of potential and kinetic energy and energy conversion. In the first part of the lab, we will use a rubber “popper” to directly experiment with energy. We’ll next study a hypothetical roller coaster and investigate it’s conversions of potential and kinetic energy.
This activity is based on Lab 11 of the eScience Lab kit.
Our lab consists of two main components. These components are described in detail in the eScience manual. Here is a quick overview:
Take detailed notes as you perform the experiment and fill out the sections below. This document serves as your lab report. Please include detailed descriptions of your experimental methods and observations. Record all of your data in the table that is provided in this document.
Procedure 1 – Popper Experiment:
Student:
Abstract
Material and Methods
Results
Data tables for the popper experiment:
Maximum height test
Trial |
Height (meters) |
1 |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
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9 |
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10 |
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Average |
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Standard Deviation |
Flight time test
Trial |
Total flight time (seconds) |
1 |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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7 |
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8 |
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9 |
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10 |
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Average |
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Standard Deviation |
Analysis and Discussion
Based on your results from the popper energy experiment, please answer the following questions:
Use g = 9.8 m/s2, and a mass of 0.01 kg.
Potential energy = PE = mgh =
v0 = : t is total time of flight (up and down).
n
KE = ½ mvo2
Roller coaster exercise
Consider the following roller coaster layout taken from the eScience manual:
Based on your understanding of energy concepts, please answer the following questions. Make sure to include detailed physical arguments.
Conclusions
References
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