Conservation of Energy

Thornridge High School

Conservation of Energy

Mr. Sievers AP physics class performed a Conservation of Energy lab using a roller coaster loop track and infrared photogates. The lab involved conservation of energy and centripetal acceleration concepts. The students had to couple the two concepts together to solve for the force on the ball when it was at the TOP and BOTTOM of the loop. It was an excellent way for students to utilize existing and prior knowledge in one lab.