Department of Math and Physics
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
Espana, Manila Philippines
Abstract Two activities were performed in this experiment. For the first activity, the weights of the different members of the group were each computed and were used in order to determine how much work and power each member exerted in climbing up and down the stairs while being timed. From the data obtained, it is apparent that as one is faster, more power and work is exerted. For the determination of energy of a tossed ball, the data obtained shows that potential energy is inversely proportional to kinetic energy.
1. Introduction
Work, Power, and Energy are three words that are commonly used in a man’s existence. Work refers to an activity involving a force and movement in the direction of the force. Energy is the ability to do work. Power is the rate of doing work or the rate of using energy. This experiment was designed to demonstrate the conservation of mechanical energy, to measure change in kinetic and potential energies as a ball moves in free fall and to determine power output when going up and down the stairs.
2. Theories
This experiment is to studying work, power and energy. The following equations are used for certain unknowns in activity one.
F=mg
F stands for force. Mass (m) of the individual is multiplied to gravity (g). Gravity is equal to 9.8 m/s2.
W=Fd
W stands for work. F is for force solved from the previous equation and d stands for the distance traveled.
P=W/t
P stands for power. Work is divided to time (t) to obtain the value of power.
3. Methodology
The materials used for this experiment were: a timer, a set of weights (specifically, of the group members), a ball, a motion detector, and the logger pro.
Activity 1
The weight of each member of the group were determined, and converted into Newtons. The time for each member of the group to go up the stairs
References: [1] http://hyperphysics.phyastr.gsu.edu/hbase/work.html [2] http://recursostic.educacion.es/newton/web/materiales_didacticos/work/aulawork.pdf