A Better 2-D Mechanical Energy Conservation Experiment

• Autores: Michael Paesler
• Localización: The Physics Teacher, ISSN 0031-921X, Vol. 50, Nº. 2, 2012, pág. 109
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • A variety of simple classical mechanics energy conservation experiments are used in teaching laboratories. Typical one-dimensional (1-D) setups may involve falling balls or oscillating springs. Many of these can be quite satisfying in that students can confirm�within a few percent�that mechanical energy is conserved. Students generally have little trouble identifying discrepancies such as the loss of a few percent of the gravitational potential energy due to air friction encountered by a falling ball. Two-dimensional (2-D) systems can require more sophisticated analysis for higher level laboratories, but such systems often incorporate complicating components that can make the exercise academically incomplete and experimentally less accurate. The following describes a simple 2-D energy conservation experiment based on the popular �Newton's Cradle� toy that allows students to account for nearly all of the mechanical energy in the system in an academically complete analysis