Title: Conservation of Energy Lab: Rolling Ball Experiment

Objective: To investigate the conservation of energy by analyzing the potential and kinetic energy of a rolling ball on an inclined plane.

Materials: 1. Inclined plane (adjustable angle) 2. Rolling ball (marble or any small spherical object) 3. Meterstick or ruler 4. Stopwatch or timer 5. Protractor (for measuring the angle of inclination) 6. Scale (for measuring the mass of the ball)

Procedure: 1. Set up the inclined plane at a desired angle (e.g., 30 degrees) and secure it in place. 2. Measure the height (h) of the inclined plane from the ground using the meterstick. 3. Measure the mass (m) of the rolling ball using the scale. 4. Place the rolling ball at the top of the inclined plane and release it, allowing it to roll down the incline. 5. Start the stopwatch as soon as the ball is released and stop it when the ball reaches the bottom of the incline. 6. Record the time taken (t) for the ball to reach the bottom of the incline. 7. Measure the distance (d) traveled by the ball along the incline using the meterstick. 8. Calculate the average velocity (v) of the ball using the formula v = d/t. 9. Calculate the potential energy (PE) of the ball at the top of the incline using the formula PE = mgh, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2). 10. Calculate the kinetic energy (KE) of the ball at the bottom of the incline using the formula KE = 0.5mv^2. 11. Compare the potential energy (PE) at the top with the kinetic energy (KE) at the bottom. Determine if energy is conserved or if there are any discrepancies.

Note: To ensure accurate results, repeat the experiment multiple times and calculate the average values for time, distance, velocity, potential energy, and kinetic energy.

Analysis and Conclusion: 1. Plot a graph showing the relationship between the angle of inclination and the potential and kinetic energy of the rolling ball. 2. Analyze the data and discuss any discrepancies observed between the potential and kinetic energy values. 3. Discuss the concept of conservation of energy and how it applies to this experiment. 4. Explain any sources of error and suggest improvements for future experiments.

By conducting this lab, students will gain a better understanding of the conservation of energy and how it applies to real-world scenarios, such as the motion of a rolling ball on an inclined plane.