Energy in motion
Explore collisions, stored energy, springs, magnets and pendulums.
Choose any question to begin.
- 1
What stays the same when two carts collide?
Do the carts bounce apart or move together? Compare one moving cart hitting a still cart. Keep their masses and starting speed the same when changing the collision.
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Where does stored height energy go?
Where does the cart’s height energy go? Watch the three energy bars while the cart descends. Compare a smooth descent with a model that transfers some energy to heating.
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Why does a stretched spring pull back?
Which way does a spring pull? Watch the force arrow on either side of the dashed middle line. At the middle, zero spring force does not mean zero speed.
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When do two magnets push apart?
Which facing poles make magnets move apart? Read the N and S letters at the two facing ends before pressing Play. The force arrows point in the directions each magnet is pushed.
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What changes a pendulum’s swing time?
Does a heavier pendulum swing more slowly? Compare complete swings: back to the same side moving in the same direction. Change mass first, then length.
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Each discovery includes all five reading levels. Journey progress reflects the checkpoints answered on this browser.