Energy Transformations

Question

Project: Modeling Conservation of Energy
For this assignment, you will develop a model that shows a roller coaster cart in four different positions on
a track. You will then use this model to discuss the changes in potential, kinetic, and thermal energy of
the cart as it moves along the track.
Background Information
The two most common forms of energy are potential energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy is the
stored energy an object has due to its position. When related to the height of an object in a gravitational
field, potential energy is known as gravitational potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object
has due to its motion. A third form of energy, thermal energy, is an internal energy due to the motion of
the particles in an object. Thermal energy can be a result of friction generated while an object is in
motion. In most situations, thermal energy cannot be transformed to kinetic or potential energy. While an
object’s potential, kinetic, and thermal energies will vary, the total amount of energy stays the same.
Energy transformations can be represented by pie charts. The total energy in the system is represented
by the size of the pie. If energy flows into or out of the system, the size of the pie is increased or
decreased to represent the change in energy within the system. Pies are divided according to the forms
of energy present in the system. Energy transformations are represented by changing the size of the
division or the number of the divisions as time progresses.
Materials
 One poster board per student
 Drawing utensils
Assignment Instructions
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read the entire Student Guide before you begin this project.
b) If anything is unclear, be sure to ask your teacher for assistance before you begin.
c) Gather the materials you will need to complete this project.
Step 2: Create your poster.
a) On the poster board, draw a roller coaster track that starts with one large hill, followed by a
valley, and then another, smaller hill.
b) Draw a cart in four different positions on the track, as outlined below.
i. First, draw the cart at the top of the first hill. Label it A.
ii. Second, draw the cart going down the first hill, into the valley. Label it B.
iii. Third, draw the cart at the bottom of the valley. Label it C.
iv. Last, draw the cart at the top of the second, smaller hill. Label it D.

Answer 1

Energy Transformations Project: Modeling Conservation of Energy

Step 1: Prepare for the Project

• A. Read the entire Student Guide

  • Understand the concepts of potential energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy.
  • Familiarize yourself with energy conservation principles.

• B. Ask Questions

  • If you have any uncertainties about the project, feel free to ask your teacher for clarification.

• C. Gather Materials

  • Collect a poster board and drawing utensils (markers, colored pencils, rulers).

Step 2: Create Your Poster

A. Roller Coaster Track Design

1. Draw the Roller Coaster Track:
   • Start with one large hill on the left side of the poster.
   • Create a valley that follows after the large hill, creating a descent.
   • Follow with a smaller hill on the right side of the valley.

B. Draw the Roller Coaster Cart:

1. Position A (Top of the First Hill):

   • Draw the cart at the highest point of the large hill.
   • Label it “A”.
   • Indicate potential energy (PE) is at its maximum, while kinetic energy (KE) is at its minimum.
   • Pie Chart: Large section for Potential Energy, small section for Kinetic Energy, minimal for Thermal Energy.

2. Position B (Going Down the First Hill):

   • Draw the cart midway down the first hill.
   • Label it “B”.
   • Show that potential energy decreases as kinetic energy starts to increase.
   • Pie Chart: Decrease in Potential Energy, increase in Kinetic Energy, minimal Thermal Energy.

3. Position C (Bottom of the Valley):

   • Draw the cart at the very bottom of the valley.
   • Label it “C”.
   • Indicate that kinetic energy is at its maximum while potential energy is at its minimum.
   • Pie Chart: Very small section for Potential Energy, large section for Kinetic Energy, minimal Thermal Energy.

4. Position D (Top of the Smaller Hill):

   • Draw the cart at the top of the smaller hill on the right.
   • Label it “D”.
   • Show that potential energy increases again while kinetic energy decreases.
   • Pie Chart: Medium section for Potential Energy, smaller section for Kinetic Energy, minimal Thermal Energy.

Summary of Energy Changes

• Position A (Top of First Hill)
  • PE: High
  • KE: Low
  • Thermal Energy: Low
• Position B (Descending First Hill)
  • PE: Decreasing
  • KE: Increasing
  • Thermal Energy: Low
• Position C (Bottom of Valley)
  • PE: Low
  • KE: High
  • Thermal Energy: Low
• Position D (Top of Second Hill)
  • PE: Increasing
  • KE: Decreasing
  • Thermal Energy: Low

Final Touches

• Label Each Position with energy descriptions.
• Include Summaries below each drawing or in a legend next to the pie charts to explain energy transformations at each position.
• Use Colors to differentiate between forms of energy in the pie charts; for instance, blue for potential energy, green for kinetic energy, and red for thermal energy.
• Ensure Clarity in your drawings and written explanations so that anyone looking at your poster can easily understand the concept of conservation of energy as demonstrated by the roller coaster cart.

Presentation

Prepare to explain the energy transformations represented in your poster to your classmates, detailing how energy shifts from potential to kinetic energy and how thermal energy remains low in this ideal scenario.