1. Calculate average values of h for each notch in the Data Collection Tables. Copy these values into the Data Analysis Table.
2. Complete the Data Analysis Table using conservation and conversion of energy:
• Maximum Gravitational Potential Energy, using the average height, GPE = mgh
• Maximum Kinetic Energy
• Initial velocity of the object (from KE = 7 m0?)
• Elastic Potential Energy of spring in launcher
• The spring constant k of the spring in launcher (from EPE = ½ kx?)
Analysis
1. How does increasing the notch distance affect the EPE of the spring in the launcher? Use the EPE equation to support your answer.
2. As the notches on the launcher get farther down, what happens to the maximum height of the released object? Explain why this happens.
Use the terms work, compression, conversion of energy, and conservation of energy in your answer.
3. Sketch the launcher and the path of the marble. Label where the maximum values of EPE, GPE and KE are and label where each of the energies are zero.