Challenger Center: Garriott Science Challenge

Energy Exchange

The total amount of energy in a system is the sum of the potential energy (stored energy) and the kinetic energy (moving energy). Energy can be transferred between the different parts of the system, potential energy can be transferred into kinetic energy and kinetic energy can be transferred into potential energy. In your family car, gasoline has potential energy that is transferred into kinetic energy when the engine runs (turning the parts of the motor). The kinetic energy turning the motor is transferred into a different type of kinetic energy to turn the wheels and make the car go.

Richard Garriott planned to experiment with energy transfer in a closed system using a spring with attached weights, however due to limited time he was unable to complete the activity. What do you think would have happened?

Essential Questions

How can energy be transferred between parts of a closed system?

Can energy be transferred in space? If so, will energy transfer work the same in space? If not, what will happen?

On Earth, transverse and longitudinal energy waves can be sent down a spring (such as a slinky or a coil). Transverse energy waves travel by moving particles perpendicular to the directions of travel of the wave (like ocean waves). Longitudinal energy waves travel by moving compressing particles in the direction of travel of the wave (like sound waves). A moving weight (your hand) can cause the other end of the spring, slinky or coil to begin moving via energy transfer.

Transverse energy waves