Module 6—Work and Energy
Lesson 1 Lab: Energy Interactions
This lab lets you simulate the simple harmonic motion of a weighted spring. You can graphically explore changes in the weighted spring's potential and kinetic energy, velocity, and position over time. You can vary the spring constant, mass, and amplitude.
Problem
How do gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, and kinetic energy interact during a bungee jump?
To visualize this process, you will use a simulation of a weighted spring. Start the Energy Conservation: Weighted Spring simulation; then continue with the Procedure and Observations section. You can learn more about the simulation and how to use it by reading the Show Me found at the top of the simulation screen.
Procedure and Observations
On the simulation, click and drag the object up and down. Observe the red and blue display for the potential and kinetic energy of the object.
Module 6: Lesson 1 Assignment
Remember to submit the answers to LAB 1, LAB 2, and LAB 3 to your teacher as part of your Module 6: Lesson 1 Assignment.
LAB 1. Drag the object to the maximum height. What form is all of the energy in at this position? Is it gravitational potential energy or both gravitational energy and elastic potential energy? Explain your answer.
LAB 2. Where is the object located, relative to the equilibrium position, when it has the greatest kinetic energy? Explain why this occurs at this position.
LAB 3. What form of energy is present at the lowest position? Explain how this energy is stored differently than the energy stored at the highest position.
Module 6: Lesson 1 Assignment
Remember to submit the answers to LAB 4 and LAB 5 to your teacher as part of your Module 6: Lesson 1 Assignment.
Conclusion
Select the “Graphs” button, and turn on the display for both the potential energy and kinetic energy graphs. Press “Play,” and observe the graphs in real time as the object bounces.
LAB 4. Explain why the potential and kinetic energies vary, as displayed in the graph. Select the mechanical energy graph for a hint!
LAB 5. Explain how gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, and kinetic energy interact during a bungee jump. You may use diagrams as part of your explanation.