Virtual High School

SCIENCE 101

Lab: Kinetic Energy
Student Guide
Pre-Lab Information
Purpose Explore the relationship between mass, speed, and kinetic energy using a laboratory
procedure.
Time Approximately 45 minutes
Question How do mass and speed affect kinetic energy?
Hypothesis #1 If the mass of an object increases, then its kinetic energy will increase proportionally
because mass and kinetic energy have a linear relationship when graphed.
Hypothesis #2 If the speed of an object increases, then its kinetic energy will increase proportionally
because speed and kinetic energy have a linear relationship when graphed.
Variables PART I: Changing Mass to Affect Kinetic Energy
Independent Variable:mass of the soda bottle and the liquid it contains
Dependent Variable:kinetic energy of the beanbag
PART II: Changing Speed to Affect Kinetic Energy
Independent Variable:speed of the soda bottle
Dependent Variable:kinetic energy of the beanbag
Summary In the first part of this activity, students will drop a soda bottle carrying a variable amount
of water from a uniform height and measure its effect on the kinetic energy of a beanbag,
as launched from a simple lever. In the second part of the experiment, the same setup is
used, but they will drop a consistent bottle mass from varying heights to achieve different
speeds.
Sometimes in science, a reasonable hypothesis may not be supported by the data. One
of the two hypotheses stated above is false. Once the data have been collected from
both parts, students will plot the data on graphs to examine and compare results from the
two scenarios. One hypothesis will not be supported by the results, and will require
revision in the analysis.
Safety
 Always wear a lab coat and safety goggles when performing an experiment.
 Behavior in the lab needs to be purposeful. Use caution when dropping objects and/or launching them
into the air.
 Use the right gear, such as only the soda bottle, lever, and beanbags that your teacher provides.
 Checkthe soda bottle and its cap for cracks and chips prior to use.
 Use only water in the soda bottle, not carbonated liquids, to prevent increased pressurethat could lead
to ruptured bottles and spills.
 Report all accidents—no matter how big or small—to your teacher.