Crater Size and Kinetic Energy Data

Start with the worked example on Calculate Changes in Kinetic Energy, then use the crater sheet as a graphing lab. Finish with the stored energy sheet to connect potential energy back to motion.

Compute kinetic energy for nine steel ball drops into flour and graph it against crater size. The directions on the page read: Find the KE of each run with KE = 1/2 × m × v 2, using mass in kilograms (20 g = 0.02 kg). Write it in the table. Plot each run as a point on the grid. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade energy, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Use KE = 1/2 × m × v², with mass in kilograms and speed in meters per second, to get joules. Doubling the speed makes the kinetic energy four times as large. The crater sheet shows this with steel balls dropped at 2, 3 and 4 m/s.

It means energy was transferred away from the object, for example into thermal energy in brakes. A positive change means energy was transferred to the object, as when a push speeds up a cart. Calculate Changes in Kinetic Energy asks students to name where each change came from or went.

Like poles push apart, so forcing them closer stores more energy. Opposite poles pull together, so holding them farther apart stores more. Rank Stored Energy in Springs, Magnets and Heights has students rank sets of magnets by stored energy.