Contextualization
Physics is a science that allows us to understand how the universe works, from the smallest components of subatomic particles to the vastness of the universe itself. Among the numerous topics addressed by Physics, a particularly relevant one is non-conservative systems.
A conservative system is one in which the total energy remains constant, that is, energy is neither lost nor gained in the process. On the other hand, in a non-conservative system, energy can be lost to the environment, either in the form of heat, sound, light, or another type of energy. In our daily lives, we encounter many examples of non-conservative systems, such as a moving car that loses energy to friction with the air and the ground, or a lamp that radiates energy in the form of light and heat.
The work done by non-conservative systems, especially when involving the force of friction, is a crucial part of Physics. It is through this understanding that we can, for example, design braking systems, such as those in cars and bicycles, design parachutes, and even understand natural phenomena such as the dissipation of energy in earthquakes.
Introduction
In this project, you will explore the concept of work in non-conservative systems. You will see that, although the idea of work may seem simple at first glance, after all, who doesn't feel "worked" after a long day of activities, in Physics, work has a very specific meaning. Work is the measure of the amount of energy that is converted from one type to another, or transferred from one object to another. When we talk about non-conservative systems, we are mainly interested in the work done by forces that dissipate energy, such as friction.
You will have the opportunity to explore this concept in a practical and fun way, with activities that involve everyday situations, allowing you a more solid understanding of the concept and the opportunity to develop important skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, and analytical thinking.
Practical Activity: "On the Run from the Force of Friction"
Project Objective
This project aims to allow students to understand in a practical and fun way the work done by non-conservative forces, especially the force of friction. The effects of different surfaces and weights on the work done by this force in a non-conservative system will be analyzed.
Detailed Description of the Project
Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members, and each group must select an object that can roll, such as a small ball or a coin. Each group will test the "work done by friction" on different surfaces and with different weights.
During the experiments, the groups will measure how far the object rolls on different surfaces and with different weights. With these measurements, students will make calculations to determine the work done by the force of friction in each situation and will be able to make comparisons between the results obtained.
Students should record all their observations, measurements, and calculations for inclusion in their final report.
Required Materials
- An object that can roll (such as a small ball or a coin)
- Three different surfaces (such as concrete, wood, carpet, etc.)
- Scale to weigh the object
- Tape measure or tape measure to measure the distance the object rolls
- Additional weights that can be added to the object
- Notebook or paper and pencil for notes and calculations
Step by Step
- Each group selects its object and measures its weight with the scale.
- On a chosen surface, the object is released from a specific height and the distance it rolls before stopping is measured. This should be repeated three times on the same surface and the average distance calculated.
- Step 2 is repeated for the other two surfaces.
- The group adds a weight to the object and repeats steps 2 and 3.
- With the measurements made, the group must calculate the work done by friction in each situation. Remember that work is equal to the force times the distance traveled by the object. The force of friction can be calculated using Newton's formula for friction.
Project Deliverables
After completing the practical activity, each group must write a report containing:
- Introduction: At the beginning of the report, students should introduce the concept of non-conservative systems and the work done by non-conservative forces. They should also discuss the relevance of the concept and its application in the real world.
- Development: Here, students should detail the activity they performed. The methodology used should be explained, the measurements and calculations made should be presented, and the results should be discussed. If possible, comparisons should be made between the results obtained under different conditions.
- Conclusion: In the end, students should summarize the main points of the project, discuss what was learned, and conclude the report, talking about the implications of their findings for the real world.
- Bibliography: Reference all sources from which they obtained information for the project.
The report will be evaluated both for the accuracy of its content and calculations and for the clarity and quality of the writing.
