Main demo and calculations from class ~15min

The main demo will be split into two different calculations. The first will be simply shooting a marble up the ramp using the spring launcher and measuring the speed with the first photogate. The class will then calculate the initial kinetic energy and then compare it to the measured potential energy. The energy lost to friction, rotation of the marble, and the shaking of the track will be very apparent. We will then repeat the measurements using the second photogate. This time, the measured potential energy and kinetic energy should fall within error because we are no longer losing energy to the track and most of the rotation is gone.

Follow up demo ~10min

If there is time, we can work in reverse by dropping the marble from given heights and then measuring the speed to extrapolate the kinetic energy. Dropping the ball and then measuring the speed from the second gate, gives the least amount of energy loss because in this case, we have almost completely gotten rid of the rotational energy.

Review and Questions ~10min

After a quick review of main ideas, the rest of the time is left for students to try demonstration and ask questions regarding energy / physics / the course / UBC / etc.

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