The Ramp
This resource is laid out similar to the "Ramp: Forces and Motion" PhET simulation, except that the focus is on the work done to the object to change its energy. The height of the ramp may be adjusted, as can the coefficient of friction and the mass of the object. Both activities graph the force parallel to the ramp, the applied work, and the energy over time, allowing record and playback of the motion. Bar graphs represent the energy (potential, kinetic, thermal, total) and work (gravity, applied, friction, sum). Links to teacher lesson plans and other languages are also included on the site. Conservation of energy is a fundamental coernerstone of physics. This simulation reinforces conservation of energy by connecting friction to thermal energy loss. Work done by external forces is clearly demonstrated as the way to change the energy of a system.
