Potential vs Kinetic Energy

Potential vs Kinetic Energy Lab

The ball starts at the top of the arc on the left, rolls down to the bottom, then climbs the right side until kinetic energy reaches zero at the top of its swing. It then rolls back and keeps oscillating until friction brings it to rest at the bottom.

Mass: 1.20 kgGravity: 9.81 m/s²Start (left = top): 98%Track friction: 0.08Ball friction: 0.004Air resistance: 0.0006

Potential: 0.00 J

Kinetic: 0.00 J

Speed: 0.00 m/s

Potential0%

Kinetic0%

What to observe: At the bottom, kinetic energy peaks and potential is lowest. As the ball climbs, KE drops to zero at the turn-around (all energy is potential). Friction gradually drains energy until the ball rests at the bottom.

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