Mechanical Energy Conservation, Part I
The default angular positions are for the "negative acceleration" fence. They may be reset if necessary.
Calculation Procedure
Enter the mass of the glider for your table.
In each row, enter the values for the hanging mass and the corresponding two times.
Click "Calculate Step 1".
Use the displayed data to calculate the three values of the mechanical energy in the first row.
Enter these values in the last three columns.
Click "Calculate Step 2".
If the values for the mechanical energies that you have entered are correct, you are done. Otherwise, recalculate and re-enter.
Note: The calculation assumes that the potential energy is zero at the lowest position of the hanging mass.
Credits
Authored by Kevork Spartalian, University of Vermont.