Spring Potential Energy
Explore elastic potential energy stored in springs using Hooke's Law (F = -kx) and the energy formula PEspring = ½kx², where k is the spring constant and x is displacement from equilibrium. Visualize how compressing or stretching a spring stores energy that can be converted to kinetic energy. Apply conservation of energy to spring-mass systems, understand the relationship between spring stiffness and stored energy, and solve problems involving springs in toys, shock absorbers, and oscillating systems.
Conservation of Energy
Visualize the law of conservation of energy stating that total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant in isolated systems without friction. Explore energy transformations between gravitational potential energy (mgh), elastic potential energy (½kx²), and kinetic energy (½mv²). Understand how work done by non-conservative forces like friction converts mechanical energy to thermal energy, and apply energy conservation to solve problems involving pendulums, roller coasters, and springs.
Gravitational Potential Energy Well
Interactive 3D potential energy well simulator. Understand negative gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and escape velocity.
Work-Energy Theorem Lab
Push a block with adjustable force, mass, friction, and angle to verify W_net = ΔKE. Track kinetic energy, work by each force, and total net work with real-time graphs.