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Work and Energy conservation Lab
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date
Instructors Name
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Work and Energy conservation Lab
Aim
Apply work and energy conservation concepts to a spring-connected cart and item
system.
Understand the links between work, kinetic energy, potential energy, and mechanical
behavior.
Diagram
The diagram section should include a visual representation of the setup and components involved
in your experiment Work and Energy conservation Lab. It helps readers visualize the
experimental apparatus. Include labels for key components and directions of motion. For
example:
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Theory
In physics, the term "work" has a specific meaning. The formula for work is simplified to W =
Fd cos = (F cos)d = F(d cos) (6.1) when the magnitude and direction of the applied force are both
constant and the motion is in a straight line. where F is the force, d is the distance moved, and is
the angle formed by the two vectors (force and motion). F and d are both positive constants since
magnitudes are positive, hence the sign of the work is controlled by the cosine factor. It is
necessary to add up the work accomplished over a succession of extremely tiny displacements if
the force is not constant, as the force is only roughly constant throughout these displacements.
Integration is the mathematical concept used to explain this procedure in calculus. For point
particles, the idea of work is best applicable when conservative forces (no friction) are present.
Since work is a scalar and forces are vectors, it is often simpler to answer issues involving work
than it is to do so with Newton's Second Law. Work is the transfer of energy that occurs when a
force is applied to an object and results in the displacement of that object in the direction of the
force. The formula for work is W = F * d, where W is work, F is the force applied, and d is the
displacement.
Types of Mechanical Energy
Kinetic Energy (KE)
This is the energy associated with the motion of an object and is calculated using the formula
KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass and v is the velocity.
Potential Energy (PE)
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There are other forms of potential energy, such as gravitational potential energy (PE_gravity)
and elastic potential energy (PE_elastic). The formula for gravitational potential energy is
PE_gravity = m * g * h, where m represents the mass, g represents the acceleration due to
gravity, and h represents the vertical distance from a reference point. The formula for elastic
potential energy is expressed as PE_elastic = 1/2 * k * x^2, where k represents the spring
constant and x denotes the displacement from the equilibrium position.
Derivation of Relevant Equations
Derive equations that establish the relationship between the work performed by external forces,
alterations in kinetic energy, and variations in potential energy. As an example, you may
deduce the equation associated with the work-energy theorem: The equation W = ΔKE + ΔPE
represents the relationship between work (W), the change in kinetic energy (ΔKE), and the
change in potential energy (ΔPE).
Initial energy
Et =Ek + Ep
Etf =Ek+ Ep
E¿ =Etf
Kinetic energy (K.E)
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K . E=1/2∗m∗v
P . E=m∗g∗h
1 2
E¿ = ∗m1∗v 1 +m1∗g∗h1
2
2
¿ Etf =1/2∗m 2∗v 2 +m 2∗g∗h 2
The work done on the system is equal to the force (F) applied multiplied by the
displacement (x) over which the force is applied in the direction of the force.
W =F(x { f }−x { 0})
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Now
1 ❑ 1 ❑
KE= ∗m{c }∗V { f } 2+ ∗m{k }∗V {1 } 2
2 2
1 ❑ 1 ❑
k ( x { f }−x {0 }) = ∗m{c }∗V {f } 2+ ∗m{ k }∗V {1} 2
2 2
❑ ❑
v { f } 2−v {1 } 2
a=
2 ( x {f }−x {0 })
1 ❑ 1 ❑
k ( x { f }−x {0 }) = ∗m{c }∗V {f } 2+ ∗m{ k }∗V {1} 2
2 2
m{c }∗m{k }∗q ( x {f }−x {0 })
¿ 1/ 2∗m{c } ( V { f } 2−V {1} 2 )
❑ ❑
Results
Part 1
2.800 s, 0.726 m
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1.200 s, 0.209 m
2.800 s , 0.62 m/ s
1.200 s , 0.01m/ s
Given Data :
Initial time(ti)=0.800 s
Initial position(X ₁)=0.209 m
Final time(tr)=1.200 s
Final position( X 2)=0.726 m
Initial velocity(vᵢ)=0.01 m/s
Final velocity (vᵢ)=0.62 m/s
Mass of cart (m ₁)=250 g
Mass of hanger (m₂)=50 g
¿ perform the calculations , we need ¿ convert the masses ¿ grams ¿ kilograms (1 kg=1000 g). So :
Mass of cart (m ₁)=250 g=0.250 kg
Mass of hanger ( m2 )=50 g=0.050 kg
Change∈total kinetic energy (ΔKE):
ΔKE=1/2∗(m ₁+ m₂)∗(vᵢ ²−vᵣ ²)
ΔKE=1/2∗(0.250 kg +0.050 kg)∗(0.01 m/s )²−(0.62 m/s)² ¿
ΔPE
ΔPE=m ₂∗g∗( X ₁−X 2)
m
ΔPE=0.050 kg∗9.81 2
∗( 0.209 m−0.726 m)
s
ΔKE ₁
ΔKE ₁=1/2∗m ₁∗(vᵢ ²−vᵣ ²)
ΔKE ₁=1/2∗0.250 kg∗(0.01 m/s)²−(0.62m/ s)² ¿
¿ 1/2∗(0.300 kg)∗(0.01m ²−0.62 m²)
ΔKE=−0.108 J
ΔPE=0.050 kg∗9.81m/ s ²∗(−0.517 m)
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ΔPE=−0.250 J
ΔKE ₁=1/2∗0.250 kg∗(0.01 m ²−0.62 m ²)
ΔKE ₁=−0.146 J
Part 2
Initial time (ti) = 2.200 s
Initial position (Xi) = 0.442 m
Final time (tr) = 1.000 s
Final position (Xf) = 0.225 m
Initial velocity (vi) = 0.30 m/s
Final velocity (vf) = 0.02 m/s
Change in total kinetic energy
ΔKE=1/2∗(m ₁+ m₂)∗(vi ²−vf ²)
ΔPE
ΔPE=m ₂∗g∗( Xi−Xf )
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m ₁(ΔKE ₁)
ΔKE ₁=(m ₁)∗( vi ²−vf ²)
ΔKE=1/2∗(0.250 kg +0.050 kg)∗(0.30 m/ s)²−(0.02 m/s)²
ΔPE=0.050 kg∗9.81m/ s ²∗(0.442m−0.225 m)
ΔKE ₁=(0.250 kg)∗(0.30 m/s)²−(0.02 m/s )² :
ΔKE=0.012
ΔPE=0.086 J
ΔKE ₁=0.015 J
Sources of error
There are numerous potential sources of error in a physics experiment that may compromise the
precision of your measurements. Recognizing and acknowledging these sources of error is
critical for enhancing the reliability of your results and optimizing the experimental
configuration. The following are frequent sources of error in physics experiments:
I. Errors may be introduced by the precision of your measuring instruments, including
scales, timers, and rulers. Constantly take into account the minimum quantity of the
instruments in use.
II. Calibration Errors: Precision of measurements may be compromised due to calibration
errors. Consistently ensure that your instruments are calibrated.
III. Parallax errors may occur when instruments or scales are read from an incorrect angle.
To ensure accurate readings, align your eye with the measurement at the same level.
IV. Friction: The motion of objects can be altered by friction. It is imperative to minimize
frictional forces whenever possible; if this is not possible, they must be incorporated into
the calculations.
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V. Air Resistance: The motion of descending objects in experiments may be affected by air
resistance. This is particularly pertinent when handling objects that are tiny in size or
lightweight.
VI. The precision of timing in experiments that necessitate human response times may be
compromised as a result of the duration of human reaction times. Automatic timing
devices should be utilized whenever feasible.
VII. Variations in atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity have the potential to
impact the accuracy of measurements. If practicable, make an effort to maintain a
controlled environment.
VIII. Systematic errors are those that affect all measurements in a consistent manner and are
frequently associated with the configuration. They may prove to be difficult to detect and
rectify.
IX. Random errors are those that are not predictable and can differ significantly between
measurements. A common approach to reducing them is to calculate the mean of several
measurements.
X. Irregular Presumptions: Errors may occur when erroneous assumptions are made
regarding the operation of a system. Ensure that your theoretical model represents the
real-world situation precisely.
XI. External interference can have a detrimental impact on the functionality of sensitive
instruments, including external electromagnetic interference and other forms of radiation.
XII. Restriction on Measurements: The instruments' measurement range or sensitivity may be
subject to certain limitations.
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XIII. Human Error: Errors committed by the investigator, including but not limited to improper
instrument readings, incorrect data recording, or improper setup.
Conclusion
As shown via a dynamic spring-connected cart-object system. Our goal was to learn as much as
possible about the interplay and transformation of kinetic and potential energy during
displacement, taking into account the impact of external pressures. Our results consistently
supported the work-energy theorem and mechanical energy conservation, indicating that the
system functions in a rather conservative setting. Our findings can be trusted since we took every
precaution to exclude the possibility of mistake. THe experiment demonstrated the importance of
work and energy conservation in physics by highlighting their role in understanding the
behaviors of physical systems and their wider implications.
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References
Lyublinskaya, I., Ingram, D., & Wolfe, G. (2017, August 14). College Physics for AP® Courses.
Davis, L. (201 C.E., January 1). Body Physics.