3-2 Journal Entry

Alana Prettitore
Sunday, February 24th, 2008
Journal 3-2

Energy Lab Review


I. Question

Last week, I stated that I hoped to understand the different types of energy. First, I learned the Ew = Energy Work. This type of energy is applicable in order to “get something going”. When something is pushed down a hill, Ew is at large.

Second, Ek = Energy Kinetic. This means that an object is essentially in motion. When you draw an energy chart and you come across a car that is driving down a highway, you would classify the motion as Ek. Then, Ee = Energy Electronic is when the motion obviously involving energy. Next, we have Ep = Energy Potential; this is the energy that is stored within the physical system. Espr = Energy Spring; this occurs when a wound-up toy is moving. Edis = Energy dissipated; obviously, since energy is neither created nor destroyed, it has to go somewhere once an object is done moving. Edis essentially says that the energy has/is dissipating into the atmosphere. Eg = Energy gravity, which occurs whenever an object has a change in vertical distance. Most important to remember, there can often be more than one type of energy occurring within simultaneously while drawing energy charts.

II. Summary of Class – Thoughts

On Tuesday, February 19th, 2008, the majority of the class was dedicated to reviewing all of the lab stations and questions. Also, the class focused on how to make energy charts and understand the major types of energy that were outlined in Section I here. Unfortunately, I missed this very beneficial class!

On Thursday, February 21st, 2008, Mr. Couillard checked the Energy Labs and then we peer reviewed them. Then, we worked on the Unit VII: Worksheet 1 questions and conducted a helpful discussion on energy and the charts. Questions 3, 4, 5, and 6 were completed. Quiz next class!

III. My Inquiry

Why is it that in order to go twice as fast, 4 times the amount of energy is needed?

3-1 (Friday, February 15th, 2008)

Alana Prettitore
Friday, February 15th, 2008
Journal 3-1

Energy Station Lab Day

I. N/A

II. Summary of Class – Thoughts

During this class, we worked on finishing the Energy Station labs. Essentially, we worked in groups of 3 or 4 and then visited and analyzed different types of energy developments within ordinary objects. There are 7 stations in which we observe something, make inferences, make measurements of calculations when necessary, and then answer follow-up questions.

This class has prompted me to question my understanding of energy. How is it that I am going to college in under a year and my understanding of the basics of energy is so poor? Energy is a very prevalent subject and crucial to understand in the modern world. Yet, I feel I have not even scratched the surface of the basics yet. Hopefully, I can work to understand the transfer between kinetic, potential and so forth.

III. My Inquiry

I want to know the difference between kinetic, potential, and electronic energy! I am so confused! Hopefully, when I figure this out I can rapidly advance my understanding of energy.