Work & Kinetic Energy Simulation
(uses Interactive PhysicsTM)
Purpose:
The purpose of this simulation is to compare the work done on an
object with the object's change in kinetic energy.
Discussion:
The Work/Energy Equation says
"The work done on an object by the net force on it equals the
object's change in kinetic energy." or, in symbols:
In this simulation, a horizontal net force does work on a block.
You compare the work done on the block to the block's kinetic
energy.
There is also a "real life" lab
to compare these quantities.
Equipment:
Procedure:
- Open the Work & KE Simulation.
- Start the simulation by pressing the "Run" button. Practice
stopping and starting the simulation, and using the movie controls
in the lower left corner of the window. You must press "Reset" in
order to restart the simulation or change any values (Don't change
the force or mass sliders yet!) . When you feel comfortable with
the simulation, answer the questions in Part
1 - Qualitative Observations of the data sheet.
- Reset the simulation, press "Run", and stop the simulation at
any point. Record the net force, mass, distance, and velocity in
the data table.
- Now, repeat for 5 more trials. You may change the net force
and mass using the sliders for each trial, or simply use the same
force and mass for different distances. It's up to you.
Results:
- Calculate the work done by the net force in each trial. Show a
sample calculation.
- Calculate the kinetic energy of the block in each trial. Show
a sample calculation.
- Calculate the percent of difference between the work done and
the kinetic energy. Show a sample calculation.
Conclusions:
How does the work done by the net force on an object compare with
the object's change in kinetic energy? Why do you think so?
last update March 4, 2003 by JL
Stanbrough