EXPERIMENT 5

CONSERVATION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY

OBJECTIVE
To verify the concept of energy conversion and conservation.

PROCEDURE
1. Access the simulation package thru https://javalab.org/en/mechanical_energy_en/.
2. Tick SPRING and set the mass value assigned for your group listed below.
GROUP NUMBER MASS (kg)
1 2
2 4
3 6
4 7
5 8
6 10
3. Starting from rest and setting the height equal to 1m, tick RUN. Record in table 1 the values for speed along
the horizontal (y = 0) and the maximum compression of the spring.
4. Repeat step 3 using the next height values.
5. Calculate the kinetic, potential and mechanical energy values at each point of the path. Point A is at the
highest point of the path, B is at the equilibrium position of the spring and C is at the spring’s maximum
compression. Record the values in table 2.

6. Using MS Excel, plot a bar graph of height (y-axis) versus the energies (x-axis). The energies involved are
gravitational potential energy at A (1st color), kinetic energy at B (2nd color) and elastic potential energy at C (3 rd
color). Labels should be clearly placed.
DATA SHEET
EXPERIMENT 5
ENERGY AND ITS CONVERSION

NAMES: __________________________________ SECTION: ______________________________

Date Performed: ___________________________ Date Submitted: _______________________

DATA

Table 1
Mass of the cart: ________________ Spring Constant: __________________
HEIGHT HORIZONTAL VELOCITY COMPRESSION DISTANCE
(m) (m/s) (m)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Table 2
GRAVITATIONAL ELASTIC
KINETIC MECHANICAL MECHANICAL MECHANICAL
HEIGHT POTENTIAL POTENTIAL
ENERGY at B ENERGY at A ENERGY at B ENERGY at C
(m) ENERGY at A ENERGY at C
(J) (J) (J) (J)
(J) (J)
1
2
3
4
5
6

*Show here your solution for all computations based on the table.

*Show here your bar graphs.

*Input your answers after each question.

1. Discuss the conversion of energy from point A to C on the path basing on your graph.

2. Are the mechanical energy values at points A, B and C equal for each height? Why or why not?

3. Is there work done by other forces during the entire motion of the cart? Explain your answer.