Conservation of Energy: Work & Energy
Nose Basher
PIRA Class: 1M40.10
Purpose
To test the students' confidence in the law of conservation
of energy (e.g., PE+KE = constant)
Description
A bowling ball pendulum is held against the nose and allowed
to swing out and back.
1. Hang bowling ball from a strong chain firmly attached to
the ceiling
2. Stand with head against the wall and raise ball to nose
3. Release the ball, w/o giving the ball any additional
energy (I.e., let the ball go, do not push it away from you, thus giving it additional
energy)
NOTE: Keeping one's head against the wall is not just for
theatrics. The wall also acts as a reference point for one's head location. Without this
reference point, the student or professor performing this experiment might shift their
center of gravity (thus their head) as they lift the ball to their nose and release the
ball.
Equipment
Bowling ball, chain, chain hanger
Support Equipment
Stepladder to hang the chain