Conservation of Energy Using Double-inclined Plane

Our aim in this experiment is to study the energy conservation of a steel ball rolling on an inclined plane (using a double inclined plane).

First, let’s understand the basic terms related to our experiment :

Energy: Here, the term energy refers to the total energy of a system. As objects move around over time, the energy associated with them, for example., kinetic, gravitational potential, and heat – might change forms.
Double inclined plane: A surface that is tilted from a higher to a lower angle is known as an inclined plane. And, when two inclined planes meet each other further, they form a double inclined Plane. Wedge is a common example of a double-inclined plane.

Now, let us focus on the Conservation of energy,

According to the energy conservation law, ‘Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can only be changed from one form to another.’ In this experiment, the law of conservation of energy is demonstrated by the motion of a steel ball rolling on a double-inclined plane.

While rolling on a perfectly smooth inclined plane, the energy of the steel ball exists in the kinetic and potential forms and during the course of its motion, a continuous conversion between these two energies takes place. The sum of the ball’s kinetic and potential energies remains constant provided there is no dissipation of energy due to air resistance, friction, etc.

In this experiment, the law of conservation of energy is illustrated by the motion of a steel ball first rolling down and then up a double-inclined plane.

A steel ball rolling on a hard surface of an inclined plane is an example of motion with low friction. When the ball is released from point A on the inclined plane AO, it will roll down the slope and go up the opposite side on the plane OB to nearly the same height h from which it was released. If the slope angle on a right-hand plane is varied, the steel ball will still move until it reaches the same vertical height from which it was released.