Physics - Handout IVe

Adapted from Unit VII ws3a v3.0 and Unit VII ws3b v3.0 by Modeling Workshop Project 2006

by Stephen Collins – Lusher Charter School, New Orleans, 2010

ENERGY DISTRIBUTION

Define a closed system for each of the situations illustrated below by putting a

dotted line around the objects that make up the system. After listing the objects

in the system, sketch bar graphs of the energy distribution for the initial and

final states. 1. A rubber “popper” sits on the table until it jumps off the table in to the air

2. A crate is propelled up a hill by a tightly coiled spring.

3. A car rolls up a hill and comes to a stop.

Objects in system:

Initial

v = 0

h0 = 0

Final

v > 0

h > 0

h

0

v>0

Final vo=0

ho=0

Initial

Objects in system:

h

0

h > 0

v = 0

vo>0

ho=0

Objects in system:

Physics - Handout IVe

Adapted from Unit VII ws3a v3.0 and Unit VII ws3b v3.0 by Modeling Workshop Project 2006

by Stephen Collins – Lusher Charter School, New Orleans, 2010

4. A toy roller coaster is propelled by a spring through a loop.

5. A load of bricks rests on a tightly coiled spring, and is then launched into the air.

6. A bungee jumper falls off the platform and reaches the limit of stretch of the cord.

h

0

v>0

vo=0

ho=0

Final

Initial

Final

A roller coaster car at

rest with a compressed

spring behind it

Objects in system:

Objects in system:

Objects in system:

Initial

Final

h

0 Initial

v = 0