Conservation Of Energy Lab

Conservation of Energy Lab
Honors Physics
December 9, 2014
Date Performed: December 5,2014
Instructor: Mrs. Kelly I. Objective: Calculate the speed of the Bunny on release from the table

II. Procedure:
1. Gather All Materials
2. Place the bunny turned in on itself on the ground (this enables the toy to launch itself upward by suction; elastic and potential energy). Do so 5 times
3. Measure the height traveled by the stopper using a meter stick per each trial.
4. Using the measurements and given formulas calculate the speed of the bunny on release using E(kinetic)=E(potential)
III. Data table
Trial
Bunny Height (meters)

1.
1.29

2.
1.30

3.
1.32

4.
1.27

5.
1.31

Average
1.30

IV. Calculations:
E(k)=E(p)
1/2mv^2=mgh
Sqroot(v^2)=Sqroot(2gh)
V=Sqroot(2 x 9.81 x 1.30)
V= 5.0 m/s
V. Conculsion: Firstly, by acting on the popper, inverting it on itself, you are applying elastic energy. By setting it on the ground you are giving it the potential energy it needs in order to combine with the elastic energy and thus cause it to revert back to its original shape, launching it off the ground. While in motion gravitational potential energy is acting on it, converting potential energy into kinetic until it finally comes to a stop upon collision with the ground.

Part 2:
I. Objective: Find the amount of energy “lost” by the ball after 1 bounce

II. Procedure:
1. Gather All Materials
2. Select a height at which to drop the golf ball from (ours being .7m) as to maintain consistency
3. Drop the ball from said height and closely watch the height it travels after the first, second and third bounce. Do so 5 times.
4. Using the measurements and given formulas calculate the amount of energy “lost” after the first 3 bounces

III. Data Table:
Trial
Golf Ball Bounce #1 Height (m)
Golf Ball Bounce #2 Height (m)
Golf Ball Bounce #3 Height (m)
1.
.55
.39
.26
2.
.56
.40
.29
3.
.54
.40
.30
4.
.55
.41
.29
5.
.55
.41
.27
Average
.55
.40
.28
I. Calculations:
See