Conservation of Energy Demonstration  based on 3 ratings Author:
Christopher Crockett Topics: Sixth Grade, Physics  Ever notice
that a conventional roller coaster never goes higher than its
first hill? Roller coasters always have to end lower than where
they started because of a fundamental idea called the
conservation of energy—energy is never created or destroyed, it
only changes forms. Put another way, you’ll never end up with
more energy than you start with.  In this project, you’re going
to explore the conservation of energy. Rather than build a
roller coaster, though, you’re going to use a simple pendulum as
a stand-in. And, just to test your intuition, you’re even going
to place the safety of your nose in the hands of physics!
Problem: How high does a pendulum swing after being released?
• Bowling ball, dumbbell, concrete block, or other large mass
that can be supported by a rope   • Rope that is strong enough
to hold the mass   • Ceiling beam, tree limb, or anything else
sturdy enough to support