Physics Demonstrations
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Physics Demonstrations

V-Track

Identifier: M: EngMom - 006

V track in storage position

Concept Overview

Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Lecturer Procedure

Steps to FollowExpected Result
  1. Allow roller to roll down the long end, up the short end, back down the short end, and then back up the long end.
Roller will come near to its starting point.
  1. Allow a stand rod to do the same.
Stand rod will not come as near to its starting point.

Historical References; Taken from original work of Percy H. Carr, 1970 

"Much of the mechanical energy degradation in the second case is due to windage: a longer rod has more windage and further degrades the mechanical energy of the system."

Video Demonstration

Tutorial: Set-up Instructions for M: EngMom - 6
Transcript:

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