PHET Interactive Simulations: Energy Skate Park Basics

Topics

Conservation of Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Thermal Energy
Energy
Friction

Description

Learn about conservation of energy with a skater gal! Explore different tracks and view the kinetic energy, potential energy and friction as she moves. Build your own tracks, ramps, and jumps for the skater.

Sample Learning Goals

Explain the Conservation of Mechanical Energy concept using kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (PE).
Describe how the Energy Bar and Pie Charts relate to position and speed.
Explain how changing the Skater Mass affects energy.
Explain how changing the Track Friction affects energy.
Predict position or estimate speed from Energy Bar and Pie Charts.
Calculate speed or height at one position from information about a different position.
Calculate KE and PE at one position from information about a different position.
Design a skate park using the concepts of mechanical energy and energy conservation.