Potential Energy: Stored Energy (Part 3)

What You'll Learn

Potential energy is stored energy based on position or condition. A ball at the top of a hill has gravitational potential energy. A stretched rubber band has elastic potential energy.

Key Words

velocity
force
Newton

Materials Needed

toy cars
ramps
string
weights
tape
ruler

Safety First

Do not mix unknown chemicals together.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Study the diagram and label the parts you recognize.

Step 2 — Do

Test friction: pull a weighted box across 4 surfaces (carpet, tile, sandpaper, foil). Use a spring scale to measure the force needed for each.

Step 3 — Observe

Use your senses (except taste) to describe what you notice.

Step 4 — Record

Write a summary of your findings in 3-5 sentences.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What type of energy does a stretched rubber band have?