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