AIM: To study the conservation of energy of a ball rolling down an inclined plane (using a double inclined plane).

APPARATUS: Double inclined track,two blocks made of wood each having a height of about 2cm, two 1kg weights,spirit level,plumb line and a metre scale,ball of steel about 1cm in diameter. THEORY: Law of Conservation of Energy: It states that the sum total of all forms of energy in the universe remains constant.Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. It can, however, be changed from one form to another. Conservation of Energy in a Mechanical System: A metallic ball rolling on a smooth inclined plane forms a mechanical system. In this system, energy of a ball remains in the form of its kinetic and potential energies. During motion, a continuous transformation between the kinetic and potential energies of the ball takes place. The sum of kinetic and potential energies of the ball, however, always remains constant at every instant of its motion, provided there is no loss of energy due to

friction or air resistance. In this activity conservation of mechanical energy in a mechanical system, is studied by the motion of a steel ball rolling on a double inclined plane. PROCEDURE: 1) Using a spirit level ensure that the working table is horizontal. If not so, make it horizontal by applying suitable packing under its legs. 2) Place the double inclined track on the working table. Press its central wings with the help of 1kg weights by placing them at suitable as shown in the fig.A. 3) Insert 1 wooden block under each arm of the track so that they get inclined. The angle of inclination need not be necessarily equal. 4) Take the steel ball and hold it on a certain mark and release it gently. The ball rolls down the right side plane and rises upto point C on the second plane. 5) Measure the vertical heights AB and CD above the table using a plumb line and a metre scale. 6) Release the ball from 4 more starting points on the right side track and repeat the steps 5) and 6) in each case. 7) Record your observations as detailed below:

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