UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Loop the Loop (conservation of energy)

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 28

Loop the Loop (conservation of energy)

ID # 28

Description:

A small steel ball is released from the high end of the track. As the ball moves down the track, some of the initial potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and as it moves up the loop, some kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy. At the top of the loop, the centripetal force counters the force due to gravity and the normal force.

Picture of Loop the Loop (conservation of energy)

Physics Concept:

Mechanics
Work, Potential, and Conservation of Energy
Conservative Forces

The demonstration takes about 2 minutes to perform.