Energy Transfer Demonstration
- Explain the difference between kinetic and potential energy
- Conduct experiments using the Wacky Hall Walker
- Apply the law of conservation of energy as it relates to the Wacky Hall Walker
- Make predictions based upon collected data
- Measure distances in metric units
- Construct tables and graphs to display data
The law of conservation of energy states that the amount of energy put into a system is equal to the amount of energy leaving the system. The elastic energy stored in the twisted rubber band of the Wacky Hall Walker (WHW) is called potential energy. The energy of motion released as the WHW moves is called kinetic energy. The number of twists applied to the rubber band mechanism is proportional to the distance the WHW travels. The motion of the WHW is also influenced by the size and mass of the WHW body, size of the rubber bands used inside the container, type of surface the WHW travels over, size of the pencil, and whether the eraser end of the pencil is dragging along the floor or up in the air.
Ordering information: Materials include Clear cylinder, 2 plastic end caps with a hole in the center, small round bead, #117 rubber band, metal washer, pencil, paper clip, masking tape, and measuring tape.
