Producers: Alberta Advanced Education

Analyses the transformation of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy using algebraic and graphical means. The motion of a mass on a spring and a bungy jump provides the data for analyses that support the principle of energy conservation.

The work-energy theorem is used to solve problems involving change of gravitational potential energy to mechanical kinetic energy and the work done against friction. Roller coasters and water slides provide examples for algebraic and graphical analysis.

Information is gathered from a vehicle-safety expert and a self-defence instructor and used in an exploration of the concepts of momentum and impulse. Teacher-guided analyses relate additional demonstrations of the principles of momentum and impulse.

The biathlon provides the context for investigating the law of conservation of momentum. Identifies different types of collisions in which momentum is conserved — explosion, hit and stick, and hit and rebound.

Explores the conservation of momentum in two dimensions on location at a curling rink and in the laboratory with an air table. Applies conservation of momentum in two dimensions to the analysis of an automobile accident.

Explores the concept of conservation of momentum in two dimensions in the context of fireworks, bumper cars, open-pit mining, and within the isolated system of an air table. The problem-solving strategy using components is reinforced.

Provides additional information, experiments and problems on concepts presented in the video programs.

Elastic and inelastic collisions are analysed. A montage of sports images reveals that most collisions are inelastic. Uses criteria of conservation of kinetic energy for elastic collisions to solve for an unknown quantity in several examples.

Provides additional information, experiments and problems on concepts presented in the video programs.

Exploring the physics of a soccer game, a projectile spring and a ballistic pendulum, leads to the understanding of the concepts of energy and momentum. Problem solving and combining many physics ideas into one solution is emphasized.