Loop the Loop

Essential Question
How do potential and kinetic energy work together?

Objectives

 * Apply an understanding of force and motion to get a marble to roll a full loop.

Introduction & Student Background
TBW

Vocabulary

 * potential energy
 * kinetic energy
 * momentum
 * inertia
 * force

Materials

 * pipe insulation/pool noodles
 * marbles
 * masking tape
 * plastic cups

PREP

 * 1) Cut the insulation in half lengthwise. This forms the 'track' of the roller coaster.

ACTIVITY

 * 1) Shape the insulation to allow the marble to roll from your hand down to a flat section of a track and into a cup. By raising the launching end higher the marble will travel appreciably faster.
 * 2) Shape the insulation into a small loop toward the end.
 * 3) Ask the students if the marble will stay on the track. What would help it stay on? Launch the marble from about the height of the top of the loop -- this will cause it to fall off Launch it from higher and higher until the marble goes around the loop.

How it Fits to Standard

 * Forces on objects make them move. Changes in forces will cause changes in the motion.

Follow Up
Explanation to questions: The marble has to be going fast (have high kinetic energy) to go around the loop. To go fast, it has to be launched from a high place (have high potential energy).