05-Oct, 2016 . Lab #11: Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem

Lab #11: Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem 

Dahlia - Ariel - Carlos

05-Oct-2016

The purpose of the lab#11 is to help students understand about the work-kinetic energy theorem. In this experiment, I tried to calculate the work done by a spring when it moving, and then I found the kinetic energy of that spring at each position. Finally, I figured out the relationship between work and kinetic energy of that spring to confirm about the work-kinetic energy theorem,
I. Set up:

- There was a cart stick a force sensor on top.

- The force sensor was connected with a spring to show value of the force which created by the spring.

- There was a card stick in front of the cart. This card help the sensor stayed in front of the board read the value of velocity as well as the position of the cart easier.

- Both sensor were connected with log pro

- Calibrate the force probe with a force of 4.9 N applied

- Zero the force probe and motion detector with the string supported loosely and unstretched. 

II. Collect and analyze data:

I let the cart go and I had graph of spring force vs. position

The work of spring was the integral of the spring force

Then, I also had the graph of kinetic energy vs. position in which KE = 1/2(mv^2)

I unlocked two graphs and set them up in one screen

with idea

I chose a specific value of x2, then the integral from x1 to x2 had to be equal with the value of kinetic energy at x2

Thus, I compared them in the graph

At x=0 m, The integral of spring force = 2.64 when the kinetic energy =2.59

at x= 0.3 m, The integral of spring force = 1.99 when the kinetic energy =1.66

at x= 0.18 m, The integral of spring force = 2.32 when the kinetic energy =1.94

III. Conclusion:

In the really small time ( 3-5 second) the result I had kind of not good, but it was acceptable. 

Now, I can conclude that the work done on the cart by the spring is the same with the change in kinetic energy.