Energy Webquest Notes

Objective

• Learn about different forms of energy and how it can be transferred or converted.

Directions

• Use links to answer questions about energy forms.
• Use separate paper for answers.

Key Concepts

What is Energy?

• Energy: The ability to do work.
• Energy can change forms, but cannot be created or destroyed.

Body Energy Conversion

• Example: Body changes stored potential energy.

Types of Energy

Nuclear Power Generation

• Click link and watch video for a summary.

Roller Coaster Physics

Understanding Potential and Kinetic Energy

• Potential Energy: Energy stored due to position.
• Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion.
• Greatest potential energy: At the highest point.
• Greatest kinetic energy: At the lowest point.

Relationship in Roller Coaster

• Potential and kinetic energy inversely related as coaster moves.

Interactive Amusement Park Physics

Roller Coaster Mechanics

• How a roller coaster works.
• Wooden vs. steel coasters advantages.

Roller Coaster Design

• Assumptions in design: Number of cars and mass of cars.
• Use 9.8 m/s² for gravity.

Calculations

• Calculate potential energy at different points: 1st hill, 2nd hill, loop.
• Evaluate safety and fun ratings.

Weighted Ball Drop and Energy Comparison

Calculations

• Calculate potential energy for both weighted ball and basketball.
• Position vs PE & KE for both objects.

Analysis

• Relationship between mass and energy: Direct or inverse.
• Energy conversion when objects hit ground: Energy doesn't disappear.
• Graph Analysis: PE vs KE line graph description.