Work and Energy

This continues and deepens the study of motion on an incline. The conversion of energy from potential to kinetic is observed, and calculations of initial and final energies are compared. Students are asked to think about reference levels for calculating potential energy, and about work done on an object by non-conservative forces.

Student Objectives

  • Observe energy conversion from potential to kinetic
  • Calculate the potential and kinetic energies of an object
  • Analyze the work-energy theorem quantitatively
  • Examine a priori assumptions and modify them in response to experimental data
© NJ Getson 2011–2022