Mechanics > Work and Energy > Conservation of Energy DCS# 1M40.10

BOWLING BALL PENDULUM

 

APPARATUS
bowling ball pendulum 202-14-F
tall ringstand with backstop
201A

DESCRIPTION
Demonstrate your confidence in energy conservation by standing with your head against the backstop, releasing the bowling ball from just in front of your nose (with no initial velocity), and allowing it to swing out and back.
Standing with the back of your head against the backstop makes it easier to keep your head in one place.

NOTES

Hang the pendulum from the low-friction pulley on the unistrut support in the ceiling of W201 with steel cable.  Cable length is about 9 ft.