Conservation of Energy – Web Quest
http://conservationofenergy.weebly.com
Task 1 – What is energy? What does it mean for energy to be conserved?
Your first task for this webquest will be to learn some basic information about conservation of energy. Visit
the two sites below and answer the four questions that follow.
Conservation Laws - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/conser.html#coneng
Energy - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/enecon.html
1. What is energy?
2. What type of energy do objects in motion have?
3. What are two things that can cause potential energy?
4. In your own words, summarize what it means for energy to be conserved.
Task 2 – Energy Skate Park – What values effect potential and kinetic energy?
Play with the physics skate park simulation (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-skate-park), then
answer the questions that follow based on your observations. Make sure to use the graph options to guide
your answers. Additionally try using different skaters (with different masses) and observe any changes.
Additionally once you have done a few trials, add friction to the track by using the "Track Friction" button
and increasing the coefficient of friction.
1.
What happens to the total energy as the rider skates along the ramp? Why do you think this is?
2.
Change some options (adjust the skater, ramp, etc). What options seem to affect kinetic energy?
3.
Change some options (adjust the skater, ramp, etc). What options seem to affect potential energy?
4.
What happens as you increase the friction on the ramp? How does increasing friction affect the total
energy of the system? What happens to the potential and kinetic energy of the skater over time as the
coefficient of friction is increased?
5.
Using your answer for question four, explain why you think why all mechanical systems on Earth
require and external source of energy even though these objects have inertia?
Task 3 – Equations of Gravitational Potential and Kinetic Energy
Visit the links below and find the equations for gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.
Potential Energy - http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/energy/u5l1b.cfm
Kinetic Energy - http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/energy/u5l1b.cfm
1. What is the equation for potential energy? How does this compare to what you found in task 2?
2. What is the equation for kinetic energy? How does this compare to what you found in task 2?
3. Solve for the problem below using what you know about conservation of energy and the equations
you found above; show your work. If you get stuck reference the video example here (http://
www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/mechanics/v/conservation-of-energy).
Task 4 – Design a Roller Coaster
Visit this site (http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/coaster.html) and read about the physics of
roller coasters. If you would like, you can use the design options in this link as a starting point for designing
your ride. Next, using what you have learned above, design a simple rollercoaster. Although rollercoasters in
most theme parks must input energy to raise riders to a starting height in order to increase potential energy,
you can assume your riders will climb to some significant height to start their ride (no need to design a
pulley system). You can also assume that you have found some magical frictionless track to use for your
ride. Your coaster design should include a minimum of the following elements:
1. A drawing / diagram.
2. Specifications for the starting height and the mass of the cart
3. At least two hills (with height and speed specified).
4. Calculations and notations on the fastest speed reached by the riders of your coaster.
5. A description of what the ride would be like for the visitors to an amusement park. Use physics to sell
your ride!
If you would like to extend this activity even further feel free to consider the following:
● Imagine you are designing a wood or steel coaster that does indeed create friction. Do some research
and note how your material choice will effect the maximum speed on the ride.
● Challenge (http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circles/u6l2b.cfm): Add a loop to your coaster.
Explain the shape of this loop and explain why riders will be safe on your ride (how do riders know
they won't fall out?)