FlinnPREP™ Inquiry Lab Kits for AP® Physics 1: Conservation of Energy on an Incline, 1-Year Access

Product Details

AP Physics 1, Big Idea 5, Investigation 6

When a small steel ball rolls down an inclined plane, its potential energy becomes kinetic. Students use their critical-thinking skills and knowledge of the conservation of energy principle to predict the distance a small steel ball travels when launched from an inclined plane set atop a table. In the introductory activity, students determine how changing the release height, mass of the ball and angle of the inclined plane may affect the launch distance. In the guided-inquiry activity, students apply their initial findings to accurately launch a steel ball a specific distance. Differences between experimental and theoretical launch distances (and horizontal velocities) force students to explain energy gains or losses.

As an additional opportunity for inquiry, students may use photogate timers to more accurately determine launch speeds. Also, students may use the ideas presented in this lab to determine the initial horizontal velocity of other projectiles, such as a rubber band.

Complete for 24 students working in groups of three. Photogate timers are optional and available separately. All materials are reusable.