Energy Mini Labs

A design lab using a simulation to investigate the relationship between work and energy.

Link to the Simulation

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Part 1: Wally and the Fire Extinguisher

​There’s a classic scene in the Pixar movie Wall-E where he propels himself through space using a fire extinguisher. In this lab, you will set initial conditions to predict the final velocity and ultimately the time it takes Wally (no relation to the animated robot surely) to pass through a set of photogates 10 meters apart.

= Link to the Simulation =

How to use the Simulation

• Click on the up/down arrows to increase/decrease the extinguisher’s force and Wally’s Mass. 
• Click on “Activate” to turn on the extinguisher and begin applying the force. 
• Once the backpack reaches the desired distance, click on “Shut Off” to stop the force and allow Wally to continue at a constant velocity. 
• The photogate time is measured in milliseconds and represents the time it takes for Wally to pass through the 10-meter gap between lasers. 

Your Task: Choose values for the Extinguisher's Force, Distance and Wally's Mass. Use work and energy to calculate the final velocity and predicted time to go through the 10 meter photogate. Run the simulation using these properties to check your prediction

Extinguisher's Force	Distance	Wally's Mass

Extinguisher's Force Options:
50 N | 55 N | 65 N | 85 N | 100 N | 115 N | 130 N | 155 N | 175 N | 196 N | 200 N

Distance Options:
5 m | ​10 m | ​15 m | ​20 m | ​25 m | ​30 m | ​35 m | ​40 m | ​45 m | ​50 m | ​55 m

Wally's Mass Options:
35 kg | 42 kg | 50 kg | 55 kg | 62 kg | 70 kg | 75 kg | 79 kg | 82 kg | 85 kg | 90 kg

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Part 2: Wally Design Problem

​Now that you have a feel for the simulation, your task is to determine a set of conditions that will result in a desired outcome. You will be able to choose any combination of settings but must include both a screenshot of the simulation matching the target time and calculations showing that the values work. 

Your Task: Determine the settings required to achieve a target time on the simulation

Target Photogate Time: 750 ms
Note: Calculations and simulation run must be within 50 ms of the target (0.7-0.8 seconds)

Extinguisher's Force	Distance	Wally's Mass

Hint: While the force and mass have preset values to choose from, distance is much more flexible and can be any value that you choose. Use this fact to help you achieve precision when determine these properties 

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Acknowledgements

This lab would not be possible if it weren't for the amazing work of Frank McCulley and his simulations on his website The Physics Aviary. If you have not explored this absolute gold mine, it's time to give a look :)

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