Explore how kinetic energy, potential energy and mechanical energy change as a ball rises and falls. Adjust the initial height, velocity, mass and air resistance, or compare two balls using the controls above.
Kinetic energy is K = ½mv². Gravitational potential energy is U = mgh, with ground level as h = 0. Mechanical energy is E = U + K. Mass is measured in kilograms, height in metres, velocity in metres per second and energy in joules.
This educational model uses a constant resistance equal to the selected percentage of gravitational force, acting against motion. The energy lost is resistance multiplied by distance travelled. With zero resistance, mechanical energy remains constant; with resistance, it decreases along the path.
Choose the result to calculate in Requested Unknown and enter four independent known values. Use either V or K, and either Y or U, as an input. E is calculated automatically. Pause the motion to advance by 1, 5, 10 or 30 frames and inspect the live energy bars and energy-versus-height graphs.