Student Unit E1
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Scene: Keeping Track of Energy
Lesson: Kinetic vs. Potential Energy
Lab: Pendulum Energy
Lab: Rubber Band Energy
Lesson: Get a Grip on Gravity
Lesson: Speed vs. Velocity
Reading: Why We Love Roller Coasters
1
Writing: Demo a Marble Run
Unit E1 Focus Words
potential energy
noun – the energy an object has because of its relative position
What objects around you have potential energy?
kinetic energy
noun – the energy of motion
The kinetic energy of falling water can grind wheat into flour, saving human effort. Can you think of something else powered by kinetic energy?
friction
noun – the force slowing the motion of objects due to interactions along their surfaces
Do you think there is more friction with a steel wheel on a train track or with a rubber tire on asphalt?
momentum
noun – the quantity of motion of a moving body (mass x velocity)
How does a roller coaster’s momentum enable it to climb hills and complete loops?
velocity
noun – the speed in a certain direction
Explain a situation in which velocity changes even though speed stays constant.
acceleration
noun – the rate of change of velocity per unit of time
A roller coaster train accelerates as it descends. Why?
gravity
noun – a force that acts between all masses, pulling them together
Everything that has mass has a gravitational field. Why is Earth’s gravity the most obvious to us?
inertia
noun – the property of matter by which things continue their current motion (either going straight at the same speed or staying still), unless a force acts upon them
More massive things tend to have more inertia. Can you think of an example?