色花堂app

Brief Description

This demonstration (often categorized under PIRA 1M10.20) serves as a dramatic illustration of the relationship between gravitational potential energy and work. A heavy mass is hoisted to a known height, storing potential energy defined by U_g = mgh (gravitational potential energy is equal to the mass times acceleration due to gravity times height of object). When released, this energy is converted into kinetic energy as the mass falls, which is then transferred to a "stake" or nail upon impact. The demonstration effectively shows how the energy of the falling object performs work (W=Fd) to overcome the frictional resistance of the material the stake is being driven into. By varying the height of the drop or the mass of the driver, students can visually observe how the depth of the penetration correlates to the initial energy of the system.

Materials Needed

The pile driver itself,  a couple of empty soda cans,  and 3 c-clamps.

Setup

The pile drive can be set up on the demo table. Use three 4” c-clamps to secure the pile driver to the demo table.

Performing the Demo

Raise the mass as far as it can be, place the empty soda can underneath the mass, when it is safe drop the mass and smash the can.

Safety Concerns

As Dr. Steve likes to say, “energy is pain”; there is a lot of potential energy stored in then mass of the pile driver when it is raised to its highest point, and can therefore cause a lot of pain/injury. When setting up or performing the demo, ensure that all risks of injury are removed.

Alternate Set-Up

This demo can be set up on the floor of the class room being used instead of the demo table. For this set-up, one will need two heavy bricks indoor to keep the pile driver from falling over.