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Conservation of Energy Roller Coaster Experiment
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Goal: To design, build, and refine a device that will utilize the principle of conservation of energy to make a cart go through a roller coaster track. Introduction: One of the best applications to cover in a physics class for conservation of energy is a roller coaster. In this, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy and vice versa to provide a thrilling ride experience. In this experiment, students will be able to create and manipulate their own track and use motion sensors to see how much potential energy and kinetic energy is present at various points on a track. Then, using the principle of conservation of energy, they will analyze if energy was lost or if energy was completely conserved as mechanical energy. The following link can be used to analyze/observe the track being used!
https://www.pasco.com/products/complete-experiments/mechanics/ex-9935
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| Comments |
| This is a great opportunity for students to truly engage with the content matter and make their imagination run free with this crucial law of physics! |
| Cross-Curriculum Ideas |
| This will overlap with not only our conservation of energy unit but our previous unit on work and energy. Students will also be able to analyze the engineering that goes into building an actual resource. |
| Follow-Up |
| Post-lab questions will be used to analyze students' thoughts on COE. Students will also need to take data at 3-4 points on the roller coaster to see how energy transitions at each point in time. |
| Links: |
Link to Product
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| Materials: |
Mobile Labs, Computer Accessories |
| Other Items: |
1 Roller Coaster Track- Pasco Scientific, $1799 each, total of $1799.00 |
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