Energy Conservation Tracker

See how mechanical energy splits between kinetic and potential energy as an object moves, and how friction reduces total energy.

Inputs
Instant Values
PE = – J, KE = – J, Etotal = – J
Energy Over Position
Bar chart shows KE (blue), PE (green), and lost energy (gray) along the path.
FAQ & Teaching Notes
Concept Focus

Highlight that mechanical energy splits into KE and PE, with losses representing energy transferred to the surroundings.

  • Run once with friction off to show constant KE + PE.
  • Re-run with friction to compare areas under the bar stacks.
Investigation Idea

Assign groups different friction values and ask them to infer a real-world scenario (ice rink, rough ramp, roller coaster).

  • Have students sketch energy bar charts at the start, middle, and end.
  • Challenge them to calculate the work done by friction using loss data.
Misconception Alert

Students may think energy disappears with friction. Emphasize that it converts to thermal energy.

  • Ask: “Where did the missing mechanical energy go?”
  • Connect to the first law: total energy stays constant when including thermal.
Formula Breakdown
  • Potential energy: PE = m · g · h
  • Kinetic energy: KE = ½ m v²
  • Total mechanical energy: E0 = PE + KE
  • Friction loss at step i: Loss = μ · E0 · (distance / total distance)
  • Remaining KE along the path: KE = max(0, E0 − Loss − PE)
How can I model energy transfer with friction?
Set a non-zero friction slider to simulate a fraction of total mechanical energy dissipated over distance. The Loss dataset shows how much energy converts to heat or sound as the object moves.
What classroom prompt reinforces KE and PE interplay?
Ask students to predict the KE and PE values halfway down the track before pressing Run. After checking, have them explain where any difference between their prediction and the chart arises.
How do I connect this to conservation statements?
Use μ = 0 first to demonstrate KE + PE remaining constant. Then add friction to show how total mechanical energy decreases while total energy (including thermal) remains conserved.

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About This Tool & Methodology

Tracks mechanical energy (potential/kinetic) using SI units and highlights conservation principles (ignoring losses unless specified). Visualizes energy transfers across states.

Learning Outcomes

  • Differentiate kinetic and potential energy contributions.
  • Understand conservation in idealized systems.
  • Practice unit consistency and intuition building.

Authorship

  • Author: Anish Nath — Follow on X
  • Last updated: 2025-11-19

Trust & Privacy

  • Runs locally in your browser.
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