Potential and Kinetic Energy

Activity Summary
Students will see how potential energy is converted into kinetic energy through the use of a pendulum. Students will participate in an inquiry-based experiment that involves changing the string length and mass of the bob to observe how these changes may affect the potential and kinetic energy of the system.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy
2. Explain how mass and height can alter potential energy
3. Show where potential energy and kinetic energy are highest in a system
4. Calculate potential and kinetic energy

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
potential energy, pendulum, kinetic energy

Last updated: 3/4/2015