Activity Detail
If you are using a TI-73, TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89, there may be particular math or science applications you will need to download to use certain activities. If you are using TI-Nspire technology, please update your TI-Nspire handheld operating system or computer software to view the latest activities. The latest TI-Nspire operating system was released in June 2009.
Browse by Subject Submit Activity Saved Activities Advanced Search
  


add to saved activities



print this activity
 
Conserving Energy
 


Activity Overview

Students will find both the kinetic and potential energies as the cart rolls down the ramp. They will find the sum of the two energies, and show that this value is constant at all times.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the calculator to the CBR 2™
  • Install the TI Connect™ software to analyze data on the computer
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 45 - 49 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Run the Ranger program on the calculator
  • Place the cart at the top of the inclined plane and position the CBR at the bottom
  • Release the cart and record data
  • Observe the distance versus time, and velocity versus time graphs
  • Determine the velocity of motion
  • Record the mass of the cart in the data sheet
  • Calculate the height of the cart in terms of the distance from the cart to the CBR, and the sine of the angle
  • Calculate the potential and the kinetic energies of the rolling cart
  • Repeat the experiment and find the sum of the two energies for every trial

    		After the Activity

    		Students will complete the Data Sheet and answer questions listed in it.

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Math : Algebra I : Quadratic Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    TI-CBL™/CBR™ App

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    CBR™/CBR 2™, TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables

    Other:
    This is Activity 9 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Modeling Motion: High School Math Activities With The CBR

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Meter stick
  • Wooden board (2 m long)
  • Dynamics cart (with known mass)
  • Bricks or books
  • Masking tape


    • Report an issue with this activity