In this lab, students relate the amount of work done and the amount of potential energy a system has due to that work. In addition, it allows students to practice calculating potential energy and looking at the relationship between potential energy, mass, and height.

Materials needed for each lab table:

scale (to find the mass)

meter stick

paperback book

textbook

beaker

matchbox car

calculators if permitted

Objects can be changed based on what you have available.