Roller Coaster Lab

Objective:Compare & contrast the kinetic energy (KE) & potenetial energy (GPE)of a rollercoaster.

Predict where the marble Predict where the marble will have the greatest GPE will have the greatest GPE & KE.& KE.

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Proceduresa) Set up rollercoaster ramps &

photogate timers.

b) Measure height, mass, & velocity of the marble at 7 different positions.

c) Record Data in Table.

d) Graph data.

e) Write a conclusion.

DATA TABLE #1

How do you calculate GPE?

Measure: mass in Kg,

Gravity (9.8 m/s2

& height in m.

Don’t forget to convert grams to kilograms

& cm to meters.

Data Table #2 How do measure KE?

Measure: mass in Kg, & velocity in m/s.Don’t forget to convert grams to

kilograms& cm to meters.You also must ½ the mass &square the velocity

Graph Position Vs KE & GPE

Position is the ______________ variable; therefore goes on the _______ axis.

Energy is the ______________ variable; therefore goes on the _______ axis.

Draw a “ line of best fit” for both graphs use 1 sheet of graph paper.

Title your graph.(also write your name on the paper)

• Label the X &Y axis.

• Scale the X & Y axis

• Mark your data on the same graph

• Draw a best fit line.

• Color the lines KE in yellow & GPE in green

• Write a conclusion.

• Describe any sources of error.

DATA TABLE#1 GPEposition mass

(kg) gravity(m/s2)

height (m)

GPE (J)

1> 0 cm

2>23cm

3>43cm

4>63cm

5>83cm

6>103cm

7>128cm

Data Table #2 KE

Position 1/2m (kg)

D

(m)

T

(s)

V

(m/s)

(V)2

(m2 /s2 )1- 0 cm

2-23cm

3-43cm

4-63cm

5-83cm

6-103cm

7-128cm

Kinetic energy