Simulation: Energy Skate Park Basics
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/energy-skate-park-basics/latest/energy-skate-park-basics_en.html
Select Intro.
Click on (Half pipe skateboard ramp)
Select (Bar Graph), (Grid), (Speed), and select the smallest mass= 80 kg)
Skater is at the top of the half pipe skateboard ramp.
Drag the skater to the top of the track and start the animation
Select (Slow Motion) then Pause and play step by step. This enables you to collect accurate data.
Record the maximum height at the top of the ramp and the speed of the skater at the bottom of the ramp and then record the results in data Table 1. (Note: the speedometer scaled by 1m/s with a maximum reading of 20m/s.)
TABLE 1 In ATTACHMENTS
Figure 4: Skater is above the ramp, positioned to free fall. FIGURE 4 In ATTACHMENTS
Drag the skater upward to the same vertical height (feet at 8 m) as shown in Figure 4 and release it from rest “free fall” and then record before it hits the ground.
Calculate the potential energy and kinetic energy for both cases: ramp and free fall.
Compare the results and write down your conclusion.
Examine the Energy Bar graph. What can be said about the total energy of the system?
Change the mass of the skater to large mass (m= 100 kg). Repeat the previous steps then record the results in data Table 2.
TABLE 2 In ATTACHMENTS
Calculate the potential energy and kinetic energy for both cases: ramp and free fall.
Compare the results and write down your conclusion.
Examine the Energy Bar graph. What can be said about the total energy of the system?
Making Sense
1. What can you infer about the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy from the bar graph?
2. Experiment with the simulation. On what does the speed depend? Support your response with evidence from the simulation.
3. Experiment with the simulation. Is it possible to have a non-zero value for Thermal Energy? Describe a scenario in which this occurs. Insert a screenshot as evidence to support your response.
