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:

computer

Interactive PhysicsTM software

Work & KE Simulation

data sheet

screen shot


Procedure:

  1. Open the Work & KE Simulation.
  2. 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.
  3. Reset the simulation, press "Run", and stop the simulation at any point. Record the net force, mass, distance, and velocity in the data table.
  4. 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:

  1. Calculate the work done by the net force in each trial. Show a sample calculation.
  2. Calculate the kinetic energy of the block in each trial. Show a sample calculation.
  3. 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